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Fact Sheet

Fletcher's First-Impression Rules

There are some general and unspoken rules about first impressions. Although they might seem obvious, it's easy to forget about them when you're under stress. Being aware of these rules can help put your contact at ease as well as show your maturity, professionalism, and readiness to enter the business world.

Think about these things from the moment you walk into your contact's office until you leave after the meeting:

  • As you get out of your car to approach his or her office, check your clothes to ensure that you look sharp.
  • Make sure your tie is perfect, your shirt is tucked in, and there's nothing on your face or clothes that shouldn't belong.
  • Greet the receptionist with a friendly smile and pronounce your contact's name and meeting time. Talk briefly to the receptionist in a friendly-manner, but don't make him or her feel obligated to carry on a conversation with you.
  • While you wait for your meeting, look engaged and patient. Don't ever appear bored.
  • Sit with a confident posture in the waiting area.
  • Look up and smile at everyone who passes you in the waiting area.
  • Learn as much as you can about your contact while waiting. If there are work samples, professional magazines, or framed newspaper stories on display in the lobby, read them! This could provide you with more insight and can be a source of small-talk questions.
  • Have a general "wow" item in mind, ready to go about the company or office (for example, from the display area) in case someone engages you in conversation.
  • Turn off your cell phone, and certainly don't answer it if you mistakenly forgot to do so.
  • Carry a leather (or good fake) bi-fold with a nice pen (not a disposable pen). Don't have papers or anything hanging out of it. Don't bring a briefcase. A briefcase is for carrying current work and is unnecessary for this type of meeting.
  • Don't walk in with your own drink. While in the lobby, don't accept a glass of water or coffee if it is offered to you. Start your impression by making everything easy and hassle free for them. A glass of water is also something you will have to juggle when meeting your contact, shaking hands, and moving to his or her office. But once you are in that office, feel free to accept water or coffee if offered. Obviously, don't ask for it if it's not offered.
  • Stand up when your contact comes to get you, reach out to provide a firm handshake, and outwardly show that you are genuinely pleased to have the opportunity to spend time with your contact.
  • Be clear, confident, and assertive in your speech. You would be surprised at how many people mumble during the first meeting and all through the job interview.
  • Be absolutely, 100 percent, completely sure you know how to pronounce your contact's last name.