10 tips for making a good first impression

Each time you meet someone, within seconds that person has already evaluated you and has made an impression of you. First encounters are important as often these opinions can’t be reversed. Below, we have listed our top tips to making a first impression into manageable bite-size pieces.

When making a first impression, you have 1/10 of a second to impress. Did you know that the outcome of a job interview can be predicted in the first 15 seconds? This means that first impressions really do count in terms of whether you’re going to get the job or not. Showing up dressed unprofessionally, for example, could mean that you are risking your chances altogether.

When making a first impression, you have 1/10 of a second to impress, and the outcome of a job interview is made within 15 seconds. You must stay professional from the get-go.

Prepare before you go

Before you meet this person, find out everything you can (without going overboard) and craft some talking points around what you have learned. Not only with these points give you great conversation starters, you may also feel more at ease once you know more about the other person.

Be on time

Make you sure plan to arrive early to any scheduled meetings, and walk into the building ten minutes early. Make sure that you plan ahead for any delays, and if you are going to be late let the person know as soon as possible. This is especially important for first impressions – there’s nothing worse than turning up late to an interview or meeting, after all, if you can’t keep to this simple promise what else can’t you keep to?

Keep good eye contact

The eyes are the window to the soul, and many people get tell whether you’re being honest by looking into your eyes (unless you’re a fantastic liar). If you are in conversation with somebody, try to keep eye contact instead of looking around the room. If your eyes wander you look like you’re not bothered by the conversation or that you’re untrustworthy.

It’s not me me me!

Don’t focus on talking about yourself and your accomplishments, ask questions about the person or their company. Try to listen a lot more, after all, we do have two ears but only one mouth.

Presentation is everything

Most people like to think that the way we look doesn’t matter to other people, and that is true. However, the first time you meet someone you must look your best as this is how your prospects will remember you. Keep your appearance clean and tidy (so a haircut or a shave may be in order!) and don’t overdo it with makeup, a natural look is the best all rounder.

What is the occasion? Dress to the occasion (whether business or casual) and ask yourself what the other person is likely to wear. For instance, you shouldn’t turn up in gymwear if your interview or meeting is at a marketing agency.

Do you want them to remember you as the guy who turned up in jogging bottoms or for what matters, your work?

Smile!

Smiling is contagious, it’s a proven fact. Not only does it make you look more friendly and approachable, it also releases serotonin and endorphins which not only make you feel happier but also benefits your health. When you smile at someone, it’s a natural reaction for them to smile back. If they don’t then they’re making a conscious effort not to.

Make small talk

The ability to create conversation is highly respected by a lot of people. Find out what the interviewer is interested in, either before the interview or during and make conversation around it. You never know, you could find some common ground

Be polite

When in conversation, don’t interrupt the other person whether that’s with your 2-cents or your mobile phone. Be polite and on your best behaviour. When you exit the room, don’t interrupt the person you’re having a meeting with but interrupt yourself. Don’t apologise for leaving, thank them for their company – it’s amazing what a difference this can make.

Follow up

After meeting somebody, always follow it up. Even if it was a job interview and you think it went terribly, reach out and thank them for meeting you and you enjoyed discussing XYZ with them. You can even find content that they may be interested in and send it across. When you follow up, you look persistent and interested and it reminds them of you, giving them a longer lasting impression.

Be yourself

You don’t need to fake it to make it. Be yourself, even if you’re quirky. Trying to present yourself as somebody else is not only usually obvious but is much more hard work and can give off the wrong impression. To some extent you may need to “fit in” but that does not mean you can’t show aspects about your personality. So be your unique self 🙂