First Impression: Positive? (page 1 of 2)	
First Impression: Positive?	
When a person applies for a job, what makes a manager want to hire that 
person?  A survey was taken to 
ask managers the question:  What thoughts go through your mind to create the 
first impressions of the young adults who walks into your business looking for a 
job?  The results of the survey confirmed the old saying: "You never get a second 
chance to make a good first impression."  The survey found that managers rely on 
the first impression to make a decision to hire.  Also, managers were asked to list 
the things that make a good first impression.  The managers said:
#1  — Appearance
First important thing to create a good impression was appearance of the 
young job 
seeker as he or she walks in to ask for a job.  The manager starts thinking about 
the questions:  Is this job seeker neat, clean, and wearing correct clot
hing for the 
job?  Would the hair, make-up, and jewelry be acceptable to my customers?  Does 
this job seeker look like he or she would get along with the workers in 
my store?  Does this job seeker 
looks like he or she wants to work?    
#2 — Positive, Outgoing Personality
The manager continues thinking about the young job seeker:  Does this pe
rson smile and act like he or she 
enjoys life?  Does the job seeker make good eye contact?  Is the job see
ker polite?  Does the job seeker 
show self-confidence without being arrogant (conceited, rude, sassy)?  Does this person have good attitude?
#3 — Complete & Accurate Application
The application is third most important thing in making a good first impression.  Managers look
for the following:  Is the computer or paper application complete (no missing information)?  Is spelling 
correct? Are names and phone numbers of work and personal references listed so th
at I can call each one?
 #4 —  Communication Skills
As the  job seeker talks with the manager about the job opening, communication skills (talk and listen) 
create a first impression.  Managers think about these questions:  Does the applicant speak in a friendly , 
clear voice?  Does the applicant listen to questions?  Does the applican
t answer 
questions with accuracy and ease, telling of skills and experience?  Would my 
customers like talking to this person?
Other Important Things
Other important things that make a good first impression include:  1)  Time 
management skills.  For example, if a manager tells job seeker to check back in 
2 weeks, and the job seeker does check back in 2 weeks — that is proo
f of good 
time management skills and that the job is really wanted.  2) On time for the 
interview.  3) Willing to work flexible hours.  4) Have transportation to the job.  
5) Succeeding in school.  The next page lists some tips managers gave to help 
young job seekers make a good first impression:

College & Career Publishing.  Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.  	First Impression: Positive? (page 2 of 2)	
Grocery store manager says —
At our grocery store, all applications are screened (reviewed) by 
the main office.  The office turns down applications that are 
incomplete.  The good applications are given to store managers for 
interviews and hiring.  Managers look for young workers who are  punctual (on time for the interview), 
enthusiastic (happy about the job) , and have good talking and listening skills.   Cell phone OFF!
Clothing store manager says —
We hire job seekers that are dressed well and want the job  We like people that have experiences working 
with others as a team member in sports, clubs, or volunteer work   We like to hire upbeat and happy people.  
They must be smiling!
 
Exercise gym manager says— 
We hire job seekers who are outgoing and friendly.  The application must be 
accurate.  We look for a smile, good eye contact, and correct sports clothing.  The job 
seeker must give good answers to all interview questions.  The job seeker must enjoy 
healthy living — eating healthy and working out.
Restaurant manager says —
The person's appearance is always the first impression for me.  I like applicants who are clean with short 
hair or hair pulled back, and not too much makeup.  I look for clean fingernails.  Person needs to smile.  
Job seekers must enjoy working around people for counter sales; and must be an accurate worker for cook.
Home improvement store manager says —
I never give out job information over the phone!  The person must come to the store to ask for application 
and job.  The job seeker needs to be neatly dressed for our store.  Do not come in with a parent or friend 
tagging along.  Do not come in during busy times — if I am busy, return when the store is not busy.  The 
application should be accurate (correct names and phone numbers of school, work, personal references).  
8. Grocery Store:  a) What what 3 things do 
  managers look?  b) What is OFF?
9.  Clothing Store:  a) What type of experience 
is liked?  b) In your opinion, why do clothing 
store managers like smiling job seekers?
10.  Gym:  What must the job seeker enjoy?  
11.  Restaurant:  a) Describe how the manager wants 
the hair and fingernails.  b) In your opinion, 
why is this important to restaurant managers?
12.  Home Improvement Store:  a) What is never 
given out over the phone?  b) Who may not tag 
along?  c) What happens if store is busy?
13.  Pretend that you are the manager of Verizon or 
T-Mobile store.  List 10 things you want to see 
in the personality, application, and dress of job 
seekers who apply to work as a sales technician. 
1. 
What question did the survey ask managers?
2.  What is the old saying?  
3.  Appearance:  List 3 questions managers start 
thinking about when the job seeker walks in
4.  Positive, Outgoing Personality:  List 3 questions 
the manager things about.
5.  Complete & Accurate Application:  For what 3 
things do managers look?
6.  Communication Skills:  a) List 2 examples of 
communication skills. b) About what 3 
  questions do managers think?
7.  Other Important Things:  a) Give an example 
of how you prove good time management skills 
and that job is really wanted.  b) List 2 of the 4 
Other Important Things.
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