It only takes a few seconds for someone to form an opinion of you—and that opinion is hard to change. So, be sure you make a good impression.
Watch this video. As you watch, take note of the “do’s” and “don’ts” that can influence how others see you—both personally and professionally. Next, read the passage to the right. Then, fill in the table below.
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Camille: Hi, I'm Camille... And you've only been watching this video for a few seconds, but chances are you already have an impression of me. Some people are like, "Oh, that girl is crazy with the blue hair." Some people are like, "Oh, that's kind of relatable."
Text: CAREER HACKS - HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Camille: First impressions are a big part of whether people take you seriously in the workplace. But don't take it from me. This is Tiffany.
Tiffany: Hi, how are you?
Camille: So I was wondering...
Text: HOW IMPORTANT ARE FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Camille: How important do you think first impressions are?
Text: TIFFANY, HUMAN RESOURCES
Tiffany: Yeah, absolutely. So a first impression is critical. It is our first unconscious way of assessing another individual.
During the course of my career, I have interviewed well over 300 folks.
Camille: That's crazy, wow.
Tiffany: I’m usually just looking for a professional appearance. And then being prepared, making sure you have the right documents with you, that you’ve done a little bit of research, let us know that you cared enough to really think about this prior to your arrival.
Camille: Oh absolutely.
Text: SAM, ARTIST+DIRECTOR
Sam: A lot of times, the first impression that someone gets of you isn't actually in person, it's really online.
I try to present myself in a really honest way, but also in a very professional way on platforms like Instagram and Facebook and LinkedIn, and I take those spaces very seriously.
Tiffany: Your email address, your voicemail, the title that you give yourself on social media, it builds up your brand reputation.
Camille: My first email address was PrettyPrincess1717, which is pretty bad.
Tiffany: When I look at user creator, and I'm like, "Pretty princess?" I was like, "Oh, that's cute. Is she going to be taken seriously, though?" It's fine using your personal life but in your professional life, separate all that out.
Text: HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Camille: Number one, if something throws you off, take a deep breath.
Even if you're late, it's okay to ask for an extra moment to collect yourself.
Number two, always make eye contact...
With the person you're introducing yourself to.
Number three, your handshake and tone of voice should be firm...
But not aggressive. You don't want to seem aloof or distracted.
I feel like the ultimate good first impression is Cinderella. As soon as she went into the ballroom, everyone's watching her. She was hired as a princess after that.
In the table below, note some impressions you think you make on those around you based on how you look, speak, and act. Would you try to change any of the impressions that you make for the workplace? Why or why not?