I recently encountered a rude, sullen person at a local store. Ironically, she held a customer service position. I patiently waited for her to finish her task. Then I smiled and said, “Hello”. Her response? She just stared at me and did an impatient sigh. Few things make you look as unprofessional as a bad attitude. In five seconds she sent the clear signal that she was unfriendly, unprofessional, and unhelpful. They say it only takes five seconds to make a first impression.