I interviewed for a position – DId a tech interview with the CIO, who then asked if I wanted to come to their Microsoft event the following day – I went and when I walked in and said HI! – He said “You’re RandomShelly, I recognize you from your picture…” so I said, “Oh you googled me!” he said, “Yep!” and believe it or not, I got called back for an interview with the CEO (who I asked lots of questions of) – I had read their site and was prepared – and that is where I work now!

And Congratulations to both Arment Dietrich and Megan… sounds like a great addition to your team!

And Congratulations to both Arment Dietrich and Megan… sounds like a great addition to your team!

First impressions are an issue worth talking about, and I don’t think it’s just people applying for jobs. We need to understand we make first impressions every day, online and in person. When you start a new job, you make first impressions on the staff members you don’t know. You may have been at a job five years, but the first time you meet with a new client, that’s another first impression. Think your reputation buys you an ounce of credibility with people you haven’t met? Well, maybe an ounce. But not much more. Be on your game or be prepared to sit on the bench.

Btw, I know you’re much too kind to do this, but think about if you had outed Joe Tactless you mentioned in the post who asked if you had anything better to do than comment on blog posts and news stories. In other words, Joe, you just said you don’t believe in thought leadership or building relationships. And Gini could have tied you to that comment on one of the most popular PR blogs out there and on a post with 79 comments. How would that have been for a first impression? Or should I say last impression for anyone who read it.