Career Advice - How's your First Impression?

“You only have one chance to make a first impression”. Wise words many of us have grown up with as we’ve moved through our careers. It’s typically good advice for interviews, and also for attending networking events, meeting with clients, and that first day of work at a new company or on a project with a new client. Things to remember include: Be observant, take notes and remember names, ask meaningful questions, be open to new ideas and methods, turn off your electronic devices, show interest and be a good listener, and ask for things to do, even menial tasks, to help you understand how things work.

Recently I was asked to submit my advice to young people for their first day of work for an article in the Wall Street Journal’s career section entitled “Day One – Now What?” Read the entire article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122619711571011423.html

Great food for thought. Check yourself on these things next time a new situation arises where you’ll be presenting yourself for the first time. Are you doing all you can to create a powerful, professional first impression?

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