At any kind of event, it is also crucial that you maintain good posture, make direct eye contact, and use a firm grip when shaking hands. This will convey confidence, which goes a long way when making a first impression.
In addition to how you hold yourself, you should also dress for success. For any work-related event, ensure you are wearing appropriate business attire. Upon landing a job, you can reach out to your company’s human resources to learn more about the dress code. This can help you discern whether you should dress “business professional” or “business casual.”
Outside of work, dressing nicely and being well-groomed can be beneficial, too. You never know who you will run into and strike up a conversation with at a local bar. Appearing polished will ensure you are ready for any professional networking opportunities.
Following graduation, it is also very common for recent grads to experience “imposter syndrome” or feel lost. And while these feelings are totally valid, they can also translate to anxiety that reveals itself during social interactions.
So, work hard to ensure that you maintain confidence and composure when communicating with people. Cultivate your own strong speaking voice, and don’t be afraid to take pauses to clearly articulate and communicate your thoughts.
Written and electronic communications are equally as important as well since so much professional correspondence now takes place over the phone or email. Find an appropriate email greeting and closing that works for you, and try your best to keep it professional on calls.
As you continue posting on social media following graduation, it is also crucial to be aware of how your posts reflect back on you. And you don’t have to change how you use social media necessarily. Instead, maybe make your social accounts private to ensure recruiters and other professionals do not have viewing access.
Finally, get comfortable with mingling. Networking and meeting new people may not be your forte, but it is a part of life– especially in the corporate world.
Work on remembering names, mastering your introduction, and being a keen listener. These skills will not only help you land a job, but they will also help you stand out in your new role.
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