Personal Best: How to Make Great First Impressions

Jan. 3, 2005 -- -- Some of the nation's top workplace experts joined ABC News' "Good Morning America" with tips on how to make a great first impression as part of the show's "Personal Best" series.

Tory Johnson, founder and chief executive officer of Women For Hire; Barbara Corcoran, founder of the Corcoran Group; Lizzette Hernandez, recruiting director of the Stern Business School; and workplace expert Steve Viscusi helped two professionals achieve new looks that will help them make better first impressions.

Makeover No. 1: Lisa

Business: Public Relations
Former Look: Very casual in previous job as newspaper reporter.

Makeover No. 2: Todd

Business: Artist.
Former Look: Dirty jeans and T-shirts.

Lisa and Todd underwent makeovers with stylist Mary Alice Stevenson and hairstylist to the stars Sally Hirshberger.

Stevens helped Lisa achieve a more polished look with modern looks from Club Monaco. Hirshberger gave Lisa a modern cut that fits her new career.

Stevens helped Todd keep his casual look, but with modern pieces that make him appear professional and creative at the same time.

Hirshberger gave Todd a cut that allows his personality to shine through, while still appearing clean and polished.

Johnson, founder and CEO of Women For Hire, an organization that produces career fairs and conducts job-seeking seminars for women throughout the country, says the first impression is formed within 30 seconds of a meeting and it can last a lifetime. Johnson says it's important for professionals to figure out a way to impress prospective employers in just seconds.