Boy, I’m going to miss those backyard barbecues and summer festivals. Every summer we rekindle old friendships and make a few new friends along the way.

Can you recall the last time you met someone at a social gathering who eventually became close friends? What were your first impressions, and how quickly did you form an opinion about them?

Whether your first impression was positive or negative, in most cases our first impressions are pretty accurate.

What happens in the first minute of meeting anyone is critical, and this is especially true in a job interview. What happens within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone new? Be honest now — based on their physical appearance, you immediately have a reaction. Are they smiling? Do they show a sincere interest in you, or are they just saying hello to be polite?

Hopefully, we’re mature enough to realize we shouldn’t condemn someone based on our first impression, but if someone turns you off within the first minute, it can be an uphill climb to alter your opinion.

What do you do within the first minute of a job interview to ensure you make a good first impression? If you’ve got to stop and think about it, then you’re already at a disadvantage against your competition. You need a clear plan to make a positive impression in the first minute of your next job interview.

You might be tired of hearing this advice, but you’ve got to start every interview with a smile. I realize you’re not running for political office, but if you’re not excited about being interviewed it will show in your attitude.

To expand your knowledge about the impact of body language, I’m going to refer you to an excellent video. Google Amy Cuddy: “Your body language shapes who you are.” Amy offers valuable advice that can help in your next job interview and beyond.

Enthusiasm matters. I was part of a group interview, and when the candidate sat down he immediately interlocked his fingers, placed them on the table and never moved his clinched fists for the next 30 minutes. I realize this wasn’t an audition for “America’s Got Talent,” but his lack of enthusiasm was a significant issue and hurt his candidacy.

He had excellent technical credentials, and the group decided to extend an offer. He accepted and, ironically, never did win over the confidence of his co-workers; a year later, he left. We took a risk based on his technical skills and it was a mistake. I feel another column brewing about listening to your gut feelings when making hiring decisions.

Here are several things you can do to convince the interviewer you have good work habits:

• Bring extra copies of your résumé.

• Include a list of at least three business references.

• Bring pen and paper and take notes.

• Come prepared with a list of questions to ask the interviewer.

• Whenever possible, bring samples of your work, or documents that reflect your accomplishments.

Being well prepared is a great way to deliver an important message: I want this job.

Most of my suggestions become self-evident within the first few minutes of an interview. It’s not a bad idea to sit up straight and show a sincere interest in what’s about to happen. Speak with confidence and don’t mumble. If you don’t know the answer to one of the questions, don’t fake it. It’s better to tell the interviewer, “That’s a good question and I’d like to think about my response for a few seconds instead of giving you a flippant response.” That shows how you react under pressure — and that’s an extremely desirable attribute.

Let’s face it. Interviews are like a blind date. A lot is communicated within the first 30 seconds. Get off to a good start and the interviewer will spend the next hour looking for reasons to support their initial positive impression. Win the first five minutes and you stand a good chance of getting hired.

Bill Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. Bill is also an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact Bill with questions, suggestions or comments at www.bill@stoneassociatestraining.com.