Elizabeth Haller, B&W Staff
Since I was a little girl, my parents always drilled into me that first impressions are everything. “You never get another first impression,” my father would always tell me.
Flash forward 16 years, and here I am, a senior, ready to start the next chapter of my life: the working world. As I prepare to enter the job market, I have realized that my parents could not have been more right when giving me that sound advice many years ago. What they didn’t tell me was that, when you are a senior in college, your ability to make first impressions is very limited.
The professors that have known you since freshman year know what kind of student you are, your work ethic and even how you might have done on their exams. In my opinion, your professors are just one of the many stepping-stones to receiving a job that you worked so hard for. If a student makes a bad first impression, that professor may be reluctant to help him or her when needed and also write that very important letter of recommendation.
According to businessinsider.com, a first impression is only comprised of the seven seconds after first meeting someone. This means that students must act quickly to ensure that they put their best foot forward not only in the job market, but as soon as they step onto their college campuses. While college is supposed to be the best time of your life to find yourself and what you want to achieve in your life, it also is a place to act professionally.
When meeting people in class for the first time, you can’t help but wonder what kind of people they are. Giving off a positive attitude and having that desire to be in class not only shows your professors, but also your peers, that you are determined to do your best, which is a huge quality to have.
Businessinsider.com also lists some of the other major qualities a person should have to make the best first impression as possible. The number one item on the list is to smile. A smile can go a long way, and some might say that it is worth more than words. By having a great smile when greeting your future employer, it shows that you are an outgoing, friendly person.
Another major factor for first impressions is dressing for success. Everyone knows that when you look good, you feel good. By dressing in nice business attire, it not only sends the message that you are going to take your job seriously, but also helps your attitude and confidence level skyrocket.
As you are walking into your interview, your nerves are probably through the roof. When first stepping into the office of your potential soon-to-be boss, it is important to maintain eye contact. Many of us will have to fight the urge to look down or focus on something in the background, but not making eye contact may give the perception that we are disinterested. Therefore, it is not only a waste of their time, but yours as well.
Being nervous on the inside is one thing. Showing it is another. Appearing calm and collected shows that you can handle tough or high-stress situations that might occur in the office.
Listening is another important factor. While your interviewer is going to ask questions, it is important to listen to what they have to say. You might go into your interview with a list of questions you hope to have answered, but let’s face it: The majority of your questions might go out the window once you start talking. If you truly listen closely, new questions will arise, and you will be more engaged in the conversation.
The most important aspect of the interview process is research. By researching the company you are interviewing for not only prepares you for questions that might be asked, but also shows that you have a sincere desire to research and learn about your potential future employer. It also shows that you took the time to see what the company is about. This is a huge benefit. It shows that you know that this job is the best fit for you, but that you are also the best fit for the company, as well.
The final thing to remember is to always email your interviewer thanking them for their kind consideration toward your application.
That is how I see first impressions ‘Through My Eyes.’
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