Get Your Students Hired
Let your students know that they mattered. Empathize with them and share they concerns if you must. Students wants to also see that you respect them. They dont want to feel like you are talking down to them. Another point to make is, looking into your students eye when you speak to them.
A first impression should be a great one with your students therefore,a simple smile and even a good morning/good afternoon etc, will do the trick.
Next rotation I'm going to be at the door and invite each student in as though they were a guest at my home.
Body language and facial expression is important in that first few seconds. A smile certainly helps and your eyes and body language approach displays that you are genuinely interested in this student. If done right, they will not forget you and will feel more comfortable to approach you next time.
First, I should smile and say hello and introduce myself, letting them know that I am there to assist them in any way that I can in achieving their goals. Let them know that I am happy that they have chosen my school to pursue their career goals and reinforce that they have made the right deccision. Always smile and always ask an open ended question of them so that I can listen to what they have to say and provide support in their comments, so they know that I care about them as a person and their aspirations or issues.
I have found that I can be very mission or task focused and if I am not careful I do not pay a lot of attention to those around me. I have to remind myself that smiling, stopping to speak and being open and friendly are important parts of my job.
On the first day of class, I try to always be there as the students begin arriving to welcome them to the class with a smile and a little small talk. Hopefully this eases their stress and opens the door to future dialogue as the class progresses.