Good First Impressions

So it’s a Tuesday morning, and I’m sitting in the Career Development Center, spinning in my desk chair, trying to figure out what to write about this week. It occurred to me that maybe I should have a theme like my fellow intern Carrie, but let’s be honest; it’s more fun to wing it. So today’s topic (drum roll please) is tips on making a good impression.

My first week blogging, I touched on the major Do’s of buying a suit. Getting it hemmed, staying away from separates, and paying a little extra for nice shoes are all topics I addressed. This week I want to discuss the person inside the fancy cloths. There is more to being presentable than just putting on a suit. Confidence and poise are a large part of this process.

How to show confidence:
Have a firm handshake- when shaking a person’s hand you should take their right hand fully in your right hand. Then give 3 strong pumps. Men please shake women’s hands like you would a man’s. Its insulting when you do not.
Eye contact is key- whether it is when you are shaking hands or when you are having a conversation, it is important to make good eye contact with the person you are speaking with. Also when they are talking, eye contact shows that you are engaged in what they are saying, and that you are truly interested.
Walk looking forward- do not look down at your feet when you walk. It gives the appearance of being unsure, clumsy, or shy, which you may be, but you need to act like you are not.
Assign someone to be confident for you- having a friend who believes in you helps, so that they can remind you to believe in yourself.

How to show poise:
Do not fidget in your chair- try to pick a comfortable position and stick to it. Too much movement makes it uncomfortable.
Think before you answer a question- do not take too long of a pause, but it is alright to think about what you want to say before actually doing it. This way you are not just spouting off information.
Make sure your back is straight- slouching does not look good on anyone. Your shoulders should be back both when walking and when sitting. But this is not the military, you do not need to be rigid. Sit comfortably.

See. That wasn’t so bad. These are just a few little things that can make a big difference, and a strong first impression. Until next time, stick with me.