First Impressions Count

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

We all make snap judgments when we meet people. They're not always correct and they're not always fair, especially when you have a disability. But these judgments influence our opinions about a person and our behaviour towards them. It can take as little as three seconds to form an impression and they're not easily changed one made. Employers often comment they know longer before the interview ends whether or not they’re interested in the candidate, which is why first impressions are so important. With this in mind, what things do you think are important when making a good first impression?

Giving some thought to the question I've come up with three general areas. Your appearance, you actions, and how you speak. These three areas all come together to form a first impression.

Appearance

The first thing you want to take care of is your appearance. Your clothes, jewellery, make up, and grooming says a lot to a person without you having even said a word. You don't have to look like a model. You just have to be dressed appropriately for the situation. In most interviewer situations this will probably be business wear. The second part of your appearance comes from how hygienic you are. Appropriate clothing isn't going to compensate for messy hair, bad odour, or a dirty appearance. So make sure you've showered or bathed, combed your hair, brushed your teeth and have a shave if you need it.

Actions

Assuming you're not just walking past someone on the street when you meet them for the first time, you're going to need to interact with them. Otherwise it's going to be an awkward meeting. Up until this point the other person has been making guesses about you based on your appearance. But your actions will give them real information about you. So don't let your body language, attitude, or manners ruin the good impression you've built with your appearance.

The most important things you can project are confidence, positivity, and politeness. We all get nervous from time to time. By being aware of your nervous habits you can try to control them so you don't appear nervous, even if you are on the inside. Make eye contact, smile and shake the other person's hand. Taking the initiative and introducing yourself in a friendly and positive way shows confidence.

Once you've introduced yourself it's important to be mindful of your behaviour. Continue to project a positive and courteous attitude. Everyone appreciates it when others are polite and show good manners. You never know who may be watching or what they'll tell the hiring manager about your behaviour. So make sure your polite to everyone, not just the person you're there to meet.

Another important behaviour to avoid is pulling out your phone while you wait. It's natural in other situations to read something or play a game while you're waiting. But don't do it here. It doesn't look good when the interview introduces themselves and you're busily trying to close what you were doing while stuffing your phone into your pocket.

Lastly be attentive by showing that you're interested to be there and in what the other person has to say. Some basic interview preparation and research about the company and interviewer can give you some useful information when breaking the ice with the other person. Forgetting a person's name will make an impression. But it probably won't be the one you want so at the very least go to the effort to remember this information.

How you speak

Speech doesn't have as much of an impact on a first impression like your appearance or actions do, but you should still be aware of it. The way you speak says things about you and will continue to influence any further impressions a person has about you. For example speaking too quietly or using a lot of ums or ahs can be an indication that you're lacking confidence in what you're saying.

It's important to come across as confident, polite and interested. So keep these things in mind and you'll be on your way to making a great first impression. Let me know in the comments section below if you came up with something important for making a good impression that I missed. If you have any questions or would like to request a topic let me know and for more information, videos and articles checkout our website letsgetworking.com.au.

Until next time, have a good day.

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