15 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Formal Events

Corporations, professional organizations, and associations of all kinds host formal networking events. You will attend several of these events during your career so you should how to use them to your advantage. It is critical to come across as someone others want to know.

In order to make a good first impression, keep the following 15 tips in mind:

Tip #1: Have a solid handshake

Tip#2: Be approachable

Tip #3: Dress well

Tip #4: Use appropriate body language

Tip #5: Don't come looking for a therapy session

Tip #6: Use good manners

Tip #7: Don't chew gum

Tip #8: Have a few goals in mind

Tip #9: Be authentic

Tip #10: Don’t do all the talking

Tip #11: Show an interest in others

Tip #12: Be interesting

Tip #13: Turn off your cell phone before the event

Tip #14: Offer and accept business cards properly

Tip #15: Smile

It’s amazing that such a great consolidation of sage, work-related advice comes in such a small package. I highly recommend this book to any new college graduate and plan to give copies to my favorite graduates in the years to come!

Kelly Vandever
Communications for Everyone, LLC

GradtoGreat.com's mission is to empower future and recent graduates with tools and information to create and pursue a fulfilling career path—no matter the industry, occupation or field of interest.

The authors of Grad to Great: Discover the Secrets to Success in Your First Career (Dalidaze Press, 2007), Anne Brown & Beth Zefo, have been featured in the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, DenverPost.com and WashingtonPost.com. Anne and Beth have more than 24 years combined experience in the worlds of corporate, non-profit, and higher education.