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Making Impressions. Write about a time when you met someone who left you with a bad first impression. What made it bad?. Write IT!. On a scrap piece of paper, write the first thing that comes to mind…. Write IT!. Write IT!. Write IT!. Write IT!. Write IT!. Write IT!. Write IT!.
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Making Impressions Write about a time when you met someone who left you with a bad first impression. What made it bad?
Write IT! • On a scrap piece of paper, write the first thing that comes to mind…
Today’s Objectives • Discuss how to make a good first impression. • Decide what kind of attire is appropriate for given situations.
First Impressions • You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression… • Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are evaluated… even if it is just a glance.
What do people notice?? • Visual appearance • Behavior • Demeanor • Mannerisms • Body Language • Grooming • Material possessions/ accessories
Admit it… • You’ve judged a book by its cover before… • “If you paint an old barn… it’s still an old barn!” • Who are you? What does your cover say about you… is it what you want it to say?
So, how do you make a good first impression? • Be on Time • Interview, date, meeting, class, anywhere! • Be Yourself, Be at Ease • You’re not getting paid to put on an act! • Present Yourself Appropriately • Bring what YOU have to offer! • Eye contact and a winning smile • This alone will engage others– a smile is contagious so spread it!
More tips… • Firm handshake • This alone says more than any words! • Be Open and Confident • If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? • Small Talk Goes a Long Way… • What do you talk about? • Be Courteous And Attentive • Please, thank you, show your manners!
What should you wear? • Good question!! • Different occasions call for different attire • Rule of thumb… • Always dress one step above your audience. • It’s better to STAND out, not STICK out!
Types of Attire • Casual • Snappy Casual • Business Casual • Business- like • Semi-formal • Formal
Rule of Thumb… • What is your interviewer going to be wearing? Do some research! • Wear equivalent attire. • If you are applying for a landscaping position, and the boss is wearing work clothes that are covered in dirt… what should you wear? • What if all of the employees wear uniforms?
Recap • First impressions are very important • What you wear can make you or break you
Interview = Opportunity • When you apply for a job always: • know your schedule/ availability • You should ALWAYS follow up once you apply! • Persistence pays off! • Plan to be interviewed (be prepared) • This is a good thing • Plan on your “future employer” calling you for an interview
Interview = Opportunity • Telephone Etiquette • Following up… • Call approximately 1-2 days after you apply • Speak with the manager/ owner • Introduce yourself • Have an objective in mind! • “I’m calling to follow up with an application that I submitted on __(the day before last)__.” • Ask a question • When do you foresee this position being filled?
Interview = Opportunity • Telephone Etiquette • When they call you… • Always answer the phone seriously • Have a professional voicemail (just in case) • Speak clearly and slowly • Breath often/ relax • Discuss a time and place • Ask questions • Show appreciation • Restate the time and place • I look forward to seeing you on Thursday at 11 am
Judgment Day… day of interview • Plan ahead! • Research- know what you’re getting into • Have directions or know how long it will take • Be 15 minutes early • Have the phone number of the place with you just in case something comes up!
Judgment Day… day of interview • Dress to impress! • Take extra copies of your resume and references. • ALWAYS introduce yourself and shake the interviewers hand! (review first impression tips) • Don’t just have a seat, let them seat you! • Sit attentively on your sit bones!
Judgment Day… day of interview • Be Prepared to answer questions… • Tell me about yourself. • Why are you interested in this position? • What do you have to offer this business? • What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses? • What motivates you? • What has been your greatest disappointment in life? • If a co-worker or boss was abusing the system, how would you handle it? • What will you do if you don’t get this position? • What are your goals in the next 5-10 years?
Judgment Day… day of interview • Have pre-formed questions and a notebook to take notes! • How long have you worked here…? • What does a typical day consist of? • Why is this position available? • What are your expectations for this position? • What are the first tasks I would be doing if hired? • When do you plan to hire for this position?
Judgment Day… day of interview • THANK THEM for their time! • Shake their hand AGAIN! • Wish them a good day • “Have a good day, and I hope to hear from you soon!” • Thank the receptionist as you leave.
What questions are there? • REMEMBER: • Plan ahead, and be prepared! • Preparation = confidence! • Confidence = calm, cool, success!