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.

Tory's Tips For a Great First Impression:

Dress the part. It's important to know the environment that you're looking to work in. Ask the person who's arranging the job interview if they would explain the dress code. You don't need to focus too much on how much money your clothing costs. It doesn't matter if your clothes are from Rodeo Drive or Target, as long as you have a clean, crisp look that you look and feel your best in.

Focus on the details. You could be impeccably dressed but if you walk into the room chewing gum, or you have overdone it on the fragrance, or your nail polish is chipped, or you smell like a pack of cigarettes, it's going to put a damper on that first impression. Also work on giving a firm (but not bone-crushing) handshake.

Be enthusiastic. This is verbal and nonverbal. Verbally, you don't want to sound whiny or wimpy, or on theopposite end, loud and hyper. Similarly, you want to make sure that your eye contact,facial expressions and posture all convey enthusiasm. Smile, sit up straight and speak from a position of strength. And remember that enthusiasm is contagious. If an employer or any professional that you're looking to wow senses that you are genuinely enthusiastic, they're going to feel enthusiastic about you as well.

Remember, you're not being hired based on a piece of paper -- a resume is just a piece of paper. Employers want to hire the perfect package. Employers are looking for winners. So walk in determined to be that winner.

Web resources:

Go to www.womenforhire.com for Tory Johnson's tips.

Go to www.barbaracorcoran.com for tips from Barbara Corcoran.

Go to www.viscusi.com for tips from Steve Viscusi.