Congratulations to all the winners of our Student of the Year Award! The stories are truly inspirational each year – the hurdles that some of you have to overcome just to be able to study with us are unbelievable! We love to read what you are getting up to and how your world has changed since training with us. Choosing the winners is always a really tough job, but chosen we have and you can read their stories here.
First Impressions Really do Count!
I am assuming that most of you are studying so that you can improve your career prospects – either by getting a better job or by setting up a business of your own. I am also assuming that in order to achieve that goal you will have to attend an interview or meeting of some kind. This being the case, you will have only moments to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting first impression.
How Long Does a First Impression Take to Make?
Actually, this has been studied by psychologists and they’ve come to the conclusion that it takes most people about 5-10 minutes to decide if you are suitable for whatever it is you are applying for. So, it really is important that you get it right first time. You need to present yourself to the best of your ability to have the greatest possible chance of success. And, it is prudent to remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
Making a Good Impression
So, how do you go about making a good impression? Well, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure you come across well. Use the tips below to help you make a great, and lasting, first impression:
• try to be on time – it’s unlikely that the person you are due to see is going to be interested in your reason for being late. Of course, sometimes things happen that cannot be planned for and all you can do is explain the situation and hope they can re-arrange their times to fit you in. Under normal circumstances, though, it’s always better to be early, not too early though. If you arrive 30 minutes early don’t actually present yourself until five minutes before your appointment time.
• be yourself – we know it can be a little difficult to relax when you are about to be interviewed for a position you dearly want or attend a business meeting for a great opportunity. But it’s crucial that you let your personality shine through or you risk being forgettable.
• dress appropriately – this depends on what kind of job you are applying for or who your business meeting is with. Businesses are more flexible these days and some work places allow you to turn up in jeans and t-shirts with piercings and tattoos on show. So, it is safe to assume that they will not expect you turn up for an interview in a suit. At the other end of the scale are businesses, such as banks or solicitors, who expect you to dress formally for work, in a suit with a tie.
If you plan to work in a different country it’d be wise to find out if there are any differences in the norms for what is considered appropriate dress. For example, if you plan to meet a potential business contact or employer in a social setting is it acceptable for you to wear casual clothes?
This rule also applies to who you are meeting. Think about it – if you plan on meeting with someone from the music business a suit and tie it might not give the right impression.
To be continued next week…
