Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

I read a great quick review on points that should be kept in mind when preparing for your first impression.  Take a look at http://mycareermagazine.wordpress.com/ and the most recent post discusses it.  Content below:

• Be on time.  If you have set up a meeting with someone, especially a job interview, make sure you arrive on time.  You may want to plan out your route ahead of time and take into consideration things such as traffic.
• Be yourself and at ease. Try to be calm and confident. If you are uncomfortable and on edge, this can make the other person feel uncomfortable as well.  While an interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, remember to breathe and take it one step at a time.  The more relaxed you are, the more enjoyable the experience will be.
• Present yourself appropriately. This includes your physical appearance.  This is the very first impression the other person has of you, so make sure that you are sending out the right message.  If interviewing, make sure you are dressing appropriately for the position, usually business or business casual.  Make sure your clothes are neat and clean, hair is tidy, nails clean, and you are wearing an appropriate amount of make-up and fragrance.  Be careful to choose items that aren’t distracting, including jewelry.
• SMILE! A sincere smile can do wonders for a first impression while calming your nerves.
• Be open and confident. Watch your body language.  In some cases, body language accounts for 80% of the message we are giving out.  Make eye contact, have a firm handshake and stand (or sit) tall.
• Watch your manners. Be polite, attentive and courteous.  You would be surprised how far this will take you in an interview.

Overall, you have a few seconds to make the best impression possible.  Remember, in an interview situation, your first impression could make the difference between getting the position or not.

Not enough can be said about the making of a first impression.  For the most part, how the person sees you coming in makes a huge impact on how/she views you throughout the entire meeting.  Honestly, most of the time that assessment is unfair or biased, but that is what sticks.  The mind generalizes and if there are red flags that stand out right in the beginning, giving them reason for concern - your hopes for success are limited.  Be prepared and bring your chances for success to the highest possible.