Making a good first impression

By Jonathon Bartlett, Copywriter, MOO

Good First Impressions

You’ve either just finished University or College or are on the cusp of doing so. I’m going to go ahead and assume you’re in one of two camps: either you’re the smug one who’s already secured themself a graduate scheme and is eagerly dreaming about which vases to buy, or you’re the unfortunate one who’s just emerged from their post-exam hibernation with a full beard and an empty wallet.

Not to worry. If you’re in that latter situation, you can still turn it around.

Spruce It Up

First of all, you’re going to want to refresh your wardrobe. By that I mean find something that expresses a little bit about you, try something a little off the cuff (heh) and memorable. I’m don’t mean pirate hooks or socks and sandals; I mean something that has shows a touch of personality, care and professionalism. Whether you buy new stuff, borrow pieces you’re envious of from your friends or are just starching your shirt collar – the extra effort will showcase your attention to detail. Rocking up to an interview in the ill-fitting dress you wore to prom isn’t really going to dazzle your potential employer. Invest in an outfit that says you mean business.

Extra! Extra! Read All About… Me?

Once you’re dressed to impress, next up on the list is to get showcasing yourself online. Get yourself a decent Wordpress template along with a hosting package and get onto those e-rooftops and get shouting. Personally I’d stretch for my own URL in order to come across as a little more professional and a bit less undergrad student. If that sounds like a bit too much tech going on – though it is rather simple we promise – you can always use a website building tool like Squarespace or Wix.

Think about what it is you’re trying to say on your website and who it’s for. If you’re a writer, link through to the publication when highlighting your work to cement your credibility. As a designer, explaining your brief is just as important as showing your visual work. Maybe you’ve done some interesting extracurricular stuff (book restoration… or trainspotting), get all of this onto your website so every side of yourself is shown.

Oh, and, just so we’re clear: your social media profiles are visible to your friends and your future employers. Just as you would with any portfolio, do an audit on the way you appear online and get rid of anything that doesn’t suit.

Pound the Pavement

Now you’ve got your gladrags ready and have a sterling site sorted, next up is attending events. First things first: do your research. Consider some talking points that will actually have follow-up questions before you go. If you want to work in Human Resources, for example, check out what’s trending in that field and form some thoughts ahead of the event. Having an informed and engaging discussion with someone in the industry is a great way to show that you’re serious and, most importantly, valuable.

You might be interested in getting yourself some business stationery to stand out from the crowd. If you are, click here to find out how MOO can help. With everyone in the same boat, sometimes it’s the quality of the paintjob that’ll determine whether or not you make it to the professional navy.

So, with your sartorial and stationery arsenal fully decked, you now find yourself slap-bang in the middle of a networking event with a naïve, yet optimistic, glint in your eye that’s obvious to everyone around you. Strike up the conversation, look for the people who aren’t orbited by twenty-somethings and find out what their story is. Usually the people who don’t have an orderly queue formed behind them are the best; they’re the clued up introverts who know the best people to talk to, or are the ones working on more unusual stuff.

Finally, be really clear about what you’re looking for as well as your availability. Sometimes there’s a great deal of ‘beating around the bush’ in these kinds of scenarios. Be enthusiastic and realistic about what you can commit to, if you aren’t able to work for free – tell them! Although, don’t let your stubbornness rob you of a potential opportunity. Saying yes to collaborative work you hadn’t considered before may open up unknown avenues.

Here’s a couple of websites that might help you in your networking hunt 1, 2, 3, and keep a look out for trade shows or conference in the relevant sector too.

So, get yourself out there and start making things happen! Your knowledge of the Netflix back-catalogue isn’t going to do anything other than dampen your chat and add a few notches of curvature to that youthful spine of yours.

Written on:

12 Jun 2015

Categories:

Best Practice