Seven ways to make a good first impression

by Jasmine Tejada, staff reporter

Thousands of students are applying for part time work this summer because it’s a great way to earn some cash, and have something to add onto a resume. Many need a way to stand out during these interviews, but don’t know how. Here are some tips for leaving a good first impression to employers.

Tip 1: Dress to impress

If leaving a good first impression for one means showing up with short shorts, 100 different colored nails, a hoodie and sweats, then one needs to reevaluate.

According to What your clothes might be saying about you, a study in the U.K and Turkey, showed that the clothing people choose to wear influences others opinion of them in “a matter of seconds.”

Dress to impress, and not like some other person on the streets.

Tip 2: Be on time

Arriving on time show employers that their time is valuable, and respected. Of course, emergencies happen, but emergencies don’t include: forgetting, traffic, or the most common “the alarm didn’t go off.” The fact is, no one cares, so be sharp.

Tip 3: Look happy to be there

True, one is most likely applying for just a summer job, and would rather be enjoying every minute of vacation, but look happy to be there.

According to Why judge personalities based on appearance-It works, “A 2009 study examined the accuracy of observers’ determination about 10 personality traits of people based on nothing but full-body photographs… When the subjects were photographed with any pose and facial expression they wanted – the spontaneous condition – judgments were accurate for almost all of the 10 traits examined.”

Tip 4: Shake hands

Depending on the custom, in some places a handshake can go a long way. Due to the lack of good manners most youths have, a hand shake is a professional greeting that can leave a lasting impression- just like the how one dresses.

Tip 5: Look at the person when talking

Acknowledge the person talking, and that means to listen. Being attentive and making eye contact shows that one is present there mentally and not just physically.

Tip 6: Think before speaking

The biggest mistake someone could ever make is saying the first thing that comes to mind. Instead makes a list of questions one expects to be asked and answer them before hand. Most people use flash cards; by reviewing the cards over and over it’s easier to remember one’s initial response.

Tip 7: Sell your skills

There are hundreds of young adults applying for a seasonal part time job. To stand out mention another language one can speak, or how one is a perfectionist. A great boost would be a resume, or someone who knows how diligent one is when working, such as: a teacher, principal, staff, etc.