Picture this: You’re tailgating at a Cyclone football game by the Alumni building. You are a fairly social person, so you mingle with people around you. You take your time to get to know each of them and listen to their great college stories.

Of course, they want to know what you’re majoring in and what you are planning to do when you finish at Iowa State. You tell them your plans as they listen intently, and when you’re finished, one man tells you that you have exactly what he is looking for in an employee and offers you a job with his company.

It seems far-fetched that with a less than 10-minute informal conversation, someone could offer you the job of a lifetime. However, this can happen to anyone who has the right skills. With the ability to make casual conversation and a few basic tips from businessknowhow.com, you too can make a great first impression.

10 Tips to make a great first impression:

1. Eye contact is essential.

2. Be yourself.

3. Smile!

4. Use the name of the person you’re talking to frequently in conversation.

5. Be a good listener.

6. Don’t make yourself the center of attention.

7. Be open and confident.

8. No limp-fish handshakes. Be firm and assertive.

9. Don’t be nervous.

10. Be positive.