Bryce Jones

4First Impression Ways to Make a Good

BY BRYCE JONES

Whenever someone meets you, they subconsciously create an impression of you. These quick images people generate can be what make or break an opportunity, and you don’t get a second shot. First impressions last, and it’s much easier to make a good first impression than to get rid of a bad one. When preparing for your first job interview, or another meeting, here are a few ways teens can make a great first impression: 1. Arrive on time. As the saying goes, early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. Showing up on time or early shows that you are accountable. If you are late when meeting someone, you are saying your time is more valuable than his or hers. To ensure this doesn’t happen, plan ahead, and plan to be early. If you have a job interview at noon, aim to show up 15 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, and accounts for traffic you might encounter on the way. 2. Be attentive and courteous. If your eyes are wandering the room instead of focusing on the conversation, it looks like you don’t want to be there. Stay focused, and ask questions without interrupting. Remember to be polite, not only to the person you are trying to impress, but to everyone around you. Try to stay positive when talking. 3. Dress to impress. Your first impression starts before you talk with someone. If you show up to an interview dressed in sweats, your potential employer will expect you to show up to work like that. You want to dress for the occasion, and dress to impress.

Your body language also is important. If you are slouching, or have your arms crossed, you might come across as bored. Make sure to sit up straight, keep good eye contact, and smile from time to time. 4. Follow up. Following up after an interview or a meeting is a great way to be remembered, and to show your gratitude for having the opportunity to interview. When following up, make sure to use your interviewer’s name, and thank them for their time. It also might help to mention a few things you talked about when you met. Depending on the situation, following up also gives you the chance to make arrangements to meet again.

Bryce Jones is a Woodstock High honors student who plays soccer and is involved in student government. He was a reporter for Scholastic Kids Press and a 2020 TEDx Speaker.