Chapter 1: First Impressions

Since first impressions are hard to counter, make a lasting impact by getting out of the gate quickly. This actually starts as soon as you think about beginning a job search.

Two things that should immediately come to mind are your email address and your voice mail message. If your personal email address is not professional, open a gmail account through Google (it’s free) and select a professional sounding address. Yourname@gmail.com would be a good choice. Sending something to samsdaddy@anyhost.com just doesn’t make a good first impression.

Likewise, your voicemail greeting needs to be professional. A prospective employer does not want to hear your two year old telling them you’re not available. They want to hear your voice. If your voice mail message does not sound professional, chances are you will be eliminated from consideration.

Phone Interviews

Making a good first impression by phone is important, since this first screening will often determine who is selected for a face to face interview. Here are some tips:

• Use a land line rather than a cell phone. You want to make sure that there are no issues with the quality of your connection.
• Conduct the call from a quiet place. Children and barking dogs will not make a good first impression.
• Imagine your interviewer is in the room. It’s easy to come across “flat” in a phone interview. Make sure that you have energy and that you are animated in your responses.