First Impressions Mean Everything in Your Job Search

First Impressions Mean Everything in Your Job SearchFirst Impressions Mean Everything in Your Job SearchFirst Impressions Mean Everything in Your Job SearchYou have at least five places to make a memorable first impression during your job search. Thats good, because if you blow the first impression, you can add that potential job to your Not Gonna Happen list. In no particular order, those opportunities areCareer FairsNetworking EventsFace-to-Face InterviewsCover LettersPhone InterviewsHeres a list of what you can do to avoid leaving a bad first impression and get one step closer to securing the jobCareer Fairs, Networking Events, and InterviewsDress appropriately. Wear a suit unless the company explicitly tells you to dress casually.Smile, smile, smileStand up and give a firm handshake to everyone you meet.Focus positively on what you have to offer, but also listen to the other partie (e.g., make it a conversation, not a one-way pitch).Be respectful and kind to every person you meet when you arrive for an interview.Be prepared with a mental list of questions to find out more about the job opportunities and companies.Pretend your cell phone doesnt exist when youre in the presence of professionals who could impact your career, unless youre using it to save contact information or email your resume on the spot.Strive to smell neutral, from your breath to your deodorant. Avoid cologne or perfumeCover LettersWrite well Eliminate spelling and grammatical errors.Demonstrate your knowledge of the company along with your qualifications for the job. Avoid the me-me-me, I-I-I syndrome.Avoid wishy-washy statements (I believe, I think, etc). Exude confidence.Focus on the positive negative statements are an invitation for a negative first impression.Thank the reader for their time.Phone InterviewsStay focused and speak clearly.Avoid taking the call in busy places with a lot of background noise.Dont interrupt when the other person is talkingBe prepared for the call so you don t stumble through your answers.Use a landline phone if possible to avoid any awkward cell phone delays and dropped calls.Thank the caller and ask what the next step in the process is.Take notes that you can refer to when you meet the interviewer in person.In a nutshell Act professional, confident, and respectful.