Establishing a positive initial connection with a potential employer is essential. Polishing up first impressions should be at the top of every student's list of priorities, especially those who will be graduating in the near future.
The details embedded in a first impression are far from simple. According to Joe Meyer, a staff member with career services, a smile is crucial in forming a positive first impression with someone. It's a good way to break the ice between two people, especially in the professional world.
"Smiles break down barriers and tend to be contagious," Meyer said. "It's easy to talk to someone you don't know and make their day better if you smile."
For Dustin Scott, a senior communication major, honesty is key when first meeting an employer. Inflating the truth about skills related to the job is a bad habit that many people can't help.
"Honesty has steered me in the right direction," Scott said. "There's no need to go in and exaggerate, because eventually you will be exposed once you can't display it on the job."
In the world of interviews and first impressions most students are aware of the importance of dress, but appropriate attire can stand alone and make its own impression.
"Don't wear labels, otherwise they will remember what the clothing said and not really what you said," said Julie Wisniewski, a junior psychology major and career peer adviser at Career Services. "Tone down any crazy nails or make-up and perfume that may be too strong."
Although it may seem obvious to apply common sense when getting dressed for an interview, not everyone understands it. Wisniewski said that there are still many people who do not dress appropriately when trying to get a job.
"I worked at a shoe store over the summer and a kid came in wearing shorts and a T-shirt for an interview," Wisniewski said. "It's very unprofessional if you're trying to impress somebody."
Good eye contact is vital while creating a first impression. According to Meyer, it is important to consider the amount of time one spends looking into the employer's eyes.
"You don't want it to be something that is creepy," Meyer said. "Thirty seconds can feel like an eternity when you are only looking in their eyes; you want to add content."
Meyer said that some students become nervous when a possible employer asks them about their weaknesses. Though this is common, it can be a turn off for potential employers.
"Any time weaknesses come up, only bring up the steps you are taking to address those weaknesses," Meyer said. "You have two eyes, two ears, and only one mouth, so don't provide too much information, especially about weaknesses."
Karla Varona, a junior communication major, said that knowing how much to disclose about oneself can help make a successful interview.
"Sometimes when you talk too much, employers may look down upon you," Varona said. "You have to know when to stop telling them about yourself."
A helpful tool that can prevent students from disclosing too much is making sure they provide the employer with a strong resume. Including information about yourself in a resume is a good way to refrain from spilling your guts at the interview.
"[A resume] contains enough information about you so they can see if you're qualified for the job even before the interview," Varona said.
For students that wish to seek assistance in perfecting first impressions, help is available in the Career Services office at 259 Capen Hall. According to Wisniewski, students can even schedule a practice interview and have it videotaped.
"You can watch your habits and how you present yourself," Wisniewski said. "Then the counselor will give you feedback."
