QuintCareers.com
Quintessential Careers -- 
Your Job Search Starts Here!
I am a...
Student
Job-Seeker
Career-Changer
Coach-Counselor
Other Visitor
Job-Hunting Tools:
  • Search for Jobs
  • Post Your Resume

    Career Tools:

  • Career Resources
  • Career Articles
  • Career Tutorials
  • College Planning
  • Free Career Newsletter
  • Job/Career Bookstore
  • Job-Search Samples
  • Search this Site
  • Other Navigation:

  • QuintCareers.com Home
  • About QuintCareers.com
  • The Career Doctor
  • Employer Resources

  • First Impressions Quiz
    A Quintessential Careers Quiz

    by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

    In networking, job-hunting, and at work, there are initial moments when meeting people for the first time in which you have the opportunity to make a strong first impression -- as well as a bad one. First impressions are critical because most people use them as a foundation for making a quick -- and sometimes permanent -- assessment of a person's character, attitude, and abilities. And while some people form a first impression of you in the first 5 to 30 seconds, other factors also weigh in on making a lasting impression.

    If you need some hints and tips -- before or after taking this quiz -- review these Job-Seeker Tips for Making Good First Impressions.

    Do you make a great first impression? Take our quiz and find out!

    Just complete this form. Click on Submit button when ready to send.

    You will receive the answers and a scoring guide via e-mail.

    IMPORTANT: To ensure that you receive a response to this quiz, please be sure to (a) enter your full e-mail address in the space provided and (b) please enter your email address twice to ensure that we get your correct e-mail address. We cannot provide you with feedback if your e-mail address is incorrect or not supplied. Read our Privacy Policy if you have any concerns about providing your email address to us. If you don't want to take this quiz interactively, print out this page and mark your answers. Then go to our First Impressions Quiz Scoring Guide to see if you make a good first impression.

     
    Your name:
    Your email address:
    Re-enter your email address:
    Do You Have an Unfriendly Email Server?
    Please note: Certain e-mail domains, including roadrunner (rr.com), comcast.net, frontier.net, and optonline.net, and some .edu, .gov, and .mil domains, consistently reject mail sent from our quintcareers.com domain. If you are using one of those addresses, you will not receive your quiz results. We suggest you use a different address (such as a no-cost Gmail, GMX, Yahoo, or Hotmail account). You may also wish to contact your provider and encourage it to whitelist quintcareers.com.

    Directions: Please answer yes or no to the following questions, not as you wish you did, but as you currently do.

    Note: Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms mentioned in this quiz by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

      When Networking...

    1. I clearly introduce myself when meeting new people.
      True
      False

    2. I actively listen and engage other people in conversation about them.
      True
      False

    3. I avoid making jokes or using off-color humor.
      True
      False

    4. I learn people's names and make certain to use their names when talking to them.
      True
      False

    5. I speak clearly and enunciate my words so people can easily understand me.
      True
      False

    6. I avoid talking about controversial issues, such as politics, religion, or sex.
      True
      False

    7. I am confident in my appearance and attitude.
      True
      False

    8. I avoid talking negatively about my job, boss, or company.
      True
      False

    9. I look for connections – common ground and interests -- with the people I meet.
      True
      False

    10. I come prepared with business (or networking) cards and copies of my resume.
      True
      False

    11. I don't ask people I've just met to find me a new job.
      True
      False

      In Job-Hunting...

    12. When responding to a job posting, I submit exactly what the ad requests -- in the format the employer desires.
      True
      False

    13. I have a clean, sharp, and distinctive resume format/design.
      True
      False

    14. My resume is always accurate and targeted to the job/employer.
      True
      False

    15. I compose dynamic cover letters that specifically address why I am perfect for the job.
      True
      False

    16. I follow-up job applications in a professional manner.
      True
      False

    17. Before an interview, I prepare by developing responses to typical interview questions.
      True
      False

    18. I always research the company so that I can showcase that knowledge in the interview.
      True
      False

    19. I arrive at the interview on time -- and ideally a few minutes before my interview time.
      True
      False

    20. I realize that I need to make a good impression on everyone I meet in the organization -- not just the person who interviews me.
      True
      False

    21. For my interviews, I dress for success, wearing appropriate attire.
      True
      False

    22. I always bring additional copies of my resume to each job interview.
      True
      False

    23. I avoid typical interview mistakes, such as chewing gum, having messy hair, leaving my cell phone on, and using excessive jewelry, make-up, or perfume.
      True
      False

    24. At the job interview, I am quick to extend my (dry) hand for a firm handshake.
      True
      False

    25. In the interview, I show my enthusiasm by maintaining strong eye contact, good posture, and a warm smile.
      True
      False

    26. I avoid using “filler” language, such as saying "um," "you know," or "like,” when responding to interview questions.
      True
      False

    27. During the interview, I make certain to ask a few questions that showcase my interest and knowledge of the employer.
      True
      False

    28. I avoid bringing up the issue of salary until the employer raises the topic.
      True
      False

    29. I end the interview with confidence, thanking the interviewer for his/her time, and asking about the next step in the process.
      True
      False

    30. After each interview, I send a personal thank-you note to each person I talked with.
      True
      False

      At Work...

    31. I always try and have a positive attitude at work.
      True
      False

    32. I listen first, then talk.
      True
      False

    33. I know when to be a superstar and when to be a good team player.
      True
      False

    34. I am a self-starter and take initiative in trying new things.
      True
      False

    35. I have a strong attendance record with my current employer.
      True
      False

    36. I use my work phone and email exclusively for work-related communications.
      True
      False

    37. I avoid spending time with the office gossips.
      True
      False

    38. In meetings, I always try to listen before jumping in with my opinions.
      True
      False

    39. If I don't know the answer to something, I am not afraid to ask for help.
      True
      False

    40. I show my appreciation to co-workers who help me perform my job better.
      True
      False



    Don't forget to check out our entire collection of Tests and Quizzes for Job-Seekers.


    Questions about some of the terminology used in this quiz? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

    QuintCareers.com Founder Dr. Randall Hansen Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his personal Website or reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.



    Home | About QuintCareers | A-Z Index | Career Resources | Job Sites | Job/Career Bookstore | Employer Resources

    A Job-Hunting and Career Development Site
    Quintessential Careers, a subsidiary of
    EmpoweringSites.com -- DeLand, FL 32720
    Home Page: http://www.quintcareers.com/
    Email: randall@quintcareers.com
    Copyright © Quintessential Careers. All Rights Reserved