Communication Conversation: Making a Winning Impression

In January, high school students being considered for merit scholarships begin preparing for interviews.

The scholarships typically range from $1,000 to “full rides,” potentially earning all four years of tuition. The interviews as such may involve just one interview or an entire weekend of events on campus, including evaluation in a class, in a dormitory and at a formal dinner, in addition to interviews. So the potential scholarship winners will make multiple impressions not only by what they say but also by how they act and look.

Thus, proper knowledge of etiquette and a well-groomed appearance count.

When seated next to the chair of the English department at a formal dinner, for instance, you don’t want to accidentally grasp the wrong water glass (yours is on your right), pass the rolls the wrong way (pass them to the left) or use the wrong fork for the first course (start with the one farthest from you and work your way in as dinner progresses).

Regarding dress, I can’t count the number of times I have advised young ladies, “Nothing too tight or too short.” Remember, you will be sitting in that attire in front of, potentially, a panel of interviewers. Too much leg can be distracting to them and to you. Constantly tugging at your hem shows lack of preparation and poise.

For young men, all shirts should be collared, and pants should be worn . If you don’t have a collared shirt, now is the time to purchase two long-sleeved, opaque dress shirts in either white or blue. This is also a good time to buy a navy sport coat and two conservative ties. Why two? Because a backup for spills is always good. A friendly tip: no animals or golf clubs on ties, please! Such patterns can connote frivolity. Stick with stripes. Also, avoid the college’s colors and those of its biggest rival; the former is pandering – the latter, just stupid. And make sure your socks are long enough to cover exposed skin if you cross your legs.

Otherwise, make sure your hands appear clean. Ladies, this means no chipped nail polish; your fingers will be visible when you shake hands and gesture to punctuate what you say.

Always remember that 93 percent of any first impression is nonverbal. During my 17 years of preparing students for interviews and related events, showing proper etiquette and dressing up have never had a downside. These efforts show respect, and those who win are always glad they displayed that.