To help you make a solid first impression, here are a few suggestions and observations:

Within the first seven seconds we make our initial impression of an individual. We judge their appearance—are they attractive in terms of personal grooming and are they wearing sharp, contemporary, appropriate clothing. Does their body language (particularly facial expressions) convey confidence? Finally, are they friendly? Are they likable, and are they the type of people we want to associate with?

Within the first 60 seconds we form very strong opinions of others that are very difficult to reverse. According to William Thourby in "You Are What You Wear," we make ten psychological judgments in a first impression including success level, economic status, integrity, education level, social position, level of sophistication, economic heritage, social heritage, educational heritage and moral character.

By simply upgrading a mediocre appearance with a new suit, contemporary tie/scarf, appropriate clothing colors, neat haircut, and tasteful jewelry, we can dramatically improve our likelihood of landing a job. The Clairol Corporation, in a salary research study, sent out "before" and "after" photographs and identical resumes to more than 1,000 companies. The companies indicated a greater likelihood to hire and an eight to twenty percent higher projected salary as a result of an upgraded appearance.

Collectively, conversation, hygiene, clothing, body language, handshake, and grooming must convey confidence, integrity and consistency.

An introduction to someone or your entrance into a meeting or panel interview should convey friendliness. Companies hire people they know and like. Immediately try to create a strong "likability" factor.

In your conversations with others, avoid talking about religion, politics, or personal family matters. Many people believe it is okay to talk about family, especially children, but this can be a trap you don't want to fall into. If the interviewer is going through a divorce or if there is a serious illness in the family, you may have opened up a topic area that will make everyone uncomfortable and which may cost you the position. Only talk about family matters if the interviewer is the first to bring up the subject area, and then you should still exercise caution.

When meeting several people at one time such as during a panel interview, try to involve everyone in the discussion. Try to direct comments or questions to all participants so they can see your sincere interest.

When speaking with someone, never draw closer than arm's length. Any closer and you are invading their personal space and it will normally make them very uncomfortable. Practice having a firm handshake that you hold for a couple of seconds. If you have a tendency to have sweaty palms, always dry your hands on a handkerchief prior to the handshake.

Never, never ever be late for an interview or appointment. If necessary, drive to the interview location the day before to locate the office and determine how long it will take you to get there. I believe in Vince Lombardi's standard: "On time is always 15 minutes ahead of time."

Remember this advice regarding your introductions and conversations: The best "conversationalists" are the ones who talk the least and ask the most questions.

Good luck in making your first impression. Put a big smile on your face, give a firm handshake, let them see your friendliness and your interview will be off to a great start.