College is full of meeting new people, no matter how long you have been there. So here are some tips that may come in handy. Keep in mind, you never know when you will meet someone that could make an impact on your life!
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1) Have a strong greeting/handshake.
This handshake can be the whole first impression right there, so make it count! Sometimes, as a woman, it is hard to shake a man’s hand the proper way because he may take your hand more gently. My advice is to ignore his nice intention and give him a firm handshake…not too firm…but enough to show that you mean business! Check out Kate Middleton’s strong handshake for inspiration. Just because she is a Duchess doesn’t mean she has to have a dainty greeting!
2) Learn the persons name. Use it. Repeat it. Remember it.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like to hear their own name? Plus, no matter who you are talking to, it is important to remember who they are. We don’t want one of those awkward moments where you try to get them to say their name again! So the more you use it, the more you will remember it. Still can’t remember? Ask for a business card!
3) Find something in common.
Making small talk is a skill and it takes practice! Always have something in your back pocket to be able to talk about (and the weather is NOT overrated. Feel free to bring up the unusually sunny weather). Small talk can also lead to finding something in common with the other person, which will connect the two of you on a personal level and only be beneficial in the long run.
4) Look interested and be attentive. Show off your smile too.
There isn’t a whole lot to elaborate on here. Just promote the best ‘you’ that you can!
5) (And just in case you need the reminder) Always dress the part.
I am sure you know that looking the part is key, especially if whoever you are meeting is interviewing you for a potential job. But like I said above, you never know when you may meet someone important so just make sure you look like that fabulous person you are as well as looking put together. And if it is an interview, make sure you check out Rent the Runways Career Moments page. They have everything you need to look the part! My favorite dress right now that I am dying to rent for my next interview is Lela Rose’s Perfectly Proper Dress. The length is perfect (not too short) and it has enough color to make you memorable.
So now it is up to you to just go impress the world! Good Luck! Have some other tips? I’d love to hear them!
Hayley is a junior at the University of Washington, studying communications, women's studies, and dance. She is co-captain of the UW Husky Dance Team and is active in the Miss America Organization. Hayley loves learning about the fashion industry and her and her mother's shopping motto is "if it fits us both, it's half the price!"
Hayley M. has 71 post(s) on RTR On Campus
