First Impressions Sophomore Advisory Activity

Forming First Impressions Number a piece of paper from 1-5 Take a few seconds to look at each of the following pictures (one at a time) On your paper, write down 2-3 words that describe your first impressions of the people on each of the slides

What Were Your Impressions? Share answers with the class. Discuss why you thought those things about the people in the picture.

How we Communicate Research estimates that body language, including facial expressions, account for 55 percent of all communication. 38 percent is vocal (pitch, volume, speed, etc.) Only 7 percent is actual words

When Applying for a Job Nonverbal communication begins as soon as you walk in the door. This includes: ▫your appearance ▫your posture ▫if you are on time for a scheduled interview The nonverbal message can speak louder than the verbal message you’re sending!

NonVerbal Ways of Communication Appearance: ▫How you dress ▫Grooming Body Language: ▫Posture ▫Eye Contact ▫Handshake

First Impression Example 50 teens apply for the same position The job requirements: ▫Able to follow instructions ▫Friendly with customers

1 st Step – Picking up the Application The first time an applicant is judged is when they arrive at the business to pick up an application. In this example, ten applicants show up with poor appearance: ▫Some wore sloppy looking clothes, had poor posture, or didn’t appear to have showered recently ▫Some of the guys were in sagging shorts, tank top, flip flops, or were not clean shaven. ▫Some of the ladies wore short shorts, low-cut shirts, strong/overpowering perfume *Now there are only 40 applicants being considered

2 nd Step - Reviewing the Applications Are they complete? Fifty percent of the applications were not filled out completely (the application instructed that ALL areas were to be completed and the application signed) *20 applicants are now remaining Legible writing & proper grammar? 14 of the remaining 20 applications had used either poor grammar, bad spelling, improper words/slang, or their handwriting was hard to read. *6 applicants remain

3 rd Step - Contacting the Applicants for an Interview There was an attempt to contact 6 of the remaining applicants for an interview ▫Two were immediately eliminated because they did not answer their phones nor did they have voice mail set up for messages. ▫Two others were eliminated because their voice mail was appropriate for friends but not for potential employers (ie: One had a vulgar song play before the employer could leave a message and the other’s voic said, “Leave a message and, if I think its important I’ll call you back”).

And the Results Are… Out of 50 applicants only two remained for consideration! So the person that got the job did so not necessarily because they were better qualified but because of the image that they projected to the potential employer ▫Employers don’t want to be baby sitters ▫They have zero tolerance for “fooling around” ▫If they don’t think you’re serous about working, they will not employ you!

Steps to Making a Good First Impression Dress appropriately (nothing too tight, too revealing or too big - make sure your clothes are clean and unwrinkled) Don’t chew gum (its ok to chew it to freshen your breath – just dispose of it before walking in the employer’s door) Don’t make or receive phone calls/texts while speaking to anyone Don’t forget your manners – say “please”, “thank you”, etc.

Steps to Making a Good First Impression (continued)… Smile! It makes you seem friendly and it relaxes you. Be clean ▫Use deodorant ▫Skip the heavy perfumes or colognes Make eye contact Shake hands (when introducing yourself) Keep jewelry to a minimum

Now You’re Ready to Make a Great First Impression to Get That Job!