During your job search your IMAGE is everything.  Your professional image is made up of 5 components:  

I - Impression

Students make and leave impressions with every employer they make contact with, whether it be at a networking event, interview, or another social setting.  You have to remember that impressions are remembered.  Think about how long it takes you to make a judgement on a new professor, potential date, or coworker.  Whether positive or negative, these judgements make lasting impressions.  Immediately establishing yourself as a credible and valuable resource will save you time and energy on trying to prove this down the road.

M - Movement

The evaluation of your non-verbal cues, or movement, will begin as soon as you enter an employers lobby, and will continue until the interview is finished.   Make eye contact, smile and nod appropriately, dont slouch, sit all the way back in your chair and lean forward to appear engaged and interested, all of these are important non verbal cues that an interviewer will be looking for.

 A - Attitude

Many things in an interview are out of your control but your attitude is the one thing you have complete control over, take advantage of it.  We all have a choice every day if we will embrace a positive or negative attidue.  Your positive attitude, and a smile during even a telephone call, will be noted by an employer.  You can hear a smile!  Show your enthusiasm for a position and stand out!

 G - Grooming

This is stressed time and time again but for due reason.  It is certainly important to make sure you’re dressed for an interview (nice pressed suit, good shoes, etc.) but it is equally important that personally you are looking your best.  Make sure your hair is neat and conservative, no crazy colors or styles, your nails are trimmed, and for the men, any facial hair is well groomed.  It would be a shame to answer every question well in an interview but to lose points because you forgot to take off that crazy, half chipped bright green nail polish!

E - Etiquette

Understanding how to handle yourself at a business meeting, company party, or over dinner is crucial to your success.  Simple things to remember, your bread is on the left and drink on the right, never order any alcohol or the most expensive entree on the menu, keep to simple foods that aren’t messy, and always follow the lead of the employers.  Watch what what they do, and when they do it, and follow suit. 

All components of your image are definitely in your control.  Make the most of your image and give yourself the advantage to succeed.