Meeting people for the first time could have all sorts of lasting effects. First impressions as they say last long. Below are some tips on how to give a good first impression:
Freshers’ Week
Making new friends can seem daunting but at Freshers’ Week, remember that everyone is in the same position as you. They’re all feeling a little anxious and out of their comfort zone, so be bold, don your lucky Spiderman undies (or pack your good luck charm) and make the first move!
It’s easier than it sounds – go along to as many social events as you can and try smiling at everyone you come across (as unnatural as it may feel). More often than not, the other students will be relieved to see a friendly face, you’ll exchange pleasantries and then you’ve made your first friend. Simple.
Find a mentor
Be proactive with new tutors or professors and introduce yourself as soon as you can – it shows confidence and helps you stand out amid the sea of faces. Although they aren’t able to officially mentor one student over others, they are happy to provide advice and guidance if you ask.
This also applies if you’re starting out in your first job. Aligning yourself with a senior staff member and asking if they’ll considering a mentoring relationship will prove that you’re eager, it will help you understand the inner workings of your department, and could help advance your career.
Guest lecturers
Any guest lecturers are potential employers or future mentors. Don’t blend into the crowd, ask questions and introduce yourself afterwards if the opportunity presents itself. If not, consider dropping them an email to thank them, adding a brief introduction and perhaps an abridged CV.
But it’s a delicate balance – don’t bombard them with your portfolio, don’t brag and definitely don’t hound them if you hear nothing back. This is just about planting a seed, as you never know if your paths might cross in the future.
Participate
In these difficult economic times, simply turning up isn’t enough. Neither is turning in all your work on time or only doing the bare minimum to scrape through – being average isn’t going to cut it in the current climate. You need to stand out, above your university mates who are clamouring for the same positions as you. Ask questions, read ahead and be quick to raise your hand when a tutor or professor asks for volunteers.
Remember people’s names
When you are worried about the impression you’re making, it’s easy to forget to listen when someone is introduced to you. But this is important – slow down and listen to their name, perhaps even repeat it back to them as a memory aid: ‘Nice to meet you, Beyoncé.’
This is as equally important at Freshers’ Week as it is when you’re starting a new job. Occasional slipups are unavoidable but they’re embarrassing nonetheless.
Make the most from your internships
You may not be being paid for your internship, but act as if you are. Students who treat an internship or work experience placement with as much enthusiasm as they treat their weekly household chores at best risk alienating a good contact and at worst ruin any chance of being hired in a paid role.
It’s no fun making cups of coffee for the boss or doing the mail run, but do these tasks graciously while at the same time showing your willingness to try some ‘actual’ work.
Job interview etiquette
Don’t turn up to meet potential employers stinking of last night’s revelry. Take the time to wash your hair, iron your clothes and eat a hearty breakfast – no, that doesn’t mean a piece of leftover pizza out of the fridge. Be alert and bright-eyed. Nerves are understandable and your interviewer shouldn’t mark you down for that, but scruffiness, tiredness or a bad attitude aren’t acceptable.
Part-time work
Even if your part-time work is unrelated to what you ultimately want to do, it’s still a chance to get a glowing reference from your employer, rather than a harsh rebuke. In the early days of your career when your CV is sparse, every appraisal counts, even from that nightshift at the supermarket.
A report from a former employer that says you were hardworking and trustworthy might not seem important when you’re 16, but it suddenly becomes valuable when you’re taking your first steps on the career ladder. Conversely, imagine the damage if a potential employer contacts your last boss, who regales them of the time you put sweeties in all the Big Macs for a laugh? As funny as it might seem at the time, don’t do it.
Be on time
There is no excuse for punctuality issues – don’t be late. Your train being delayed isn’t a valid reason to miss an exam or be late for a job interview. If it’s an important event, factor extra time into your travel plans in case things go wrong.
Even better, be early. It shows enthusiasm and helps you stand out from the crowd.
Dress professionally
Eventually your boss and coworkers will learn what an asset you are to the company (we hope) but at the beginning, they don’t have much to go on, especially in the first few weeks when you’re finding your feet. So that’s exactly when what’s on your feet, and the rest of your body, counts so much. Even if there’s a fairly casual approach to attire at your new workplace, dress smartly.
First impressions are hard to erase – do you really want to be remembered as the guy who came to work with blue hair after all your classmates dyed their hair as a university leavers’ prank?