You only get one shot at a first impression… and that shot may count for more than you think. Why do so many job search posts deal with perfecting your handshake, making strong eye contact and dressing
properly? The reality is, those small factors taken together comprise the first impression you make on a person. That impression frames your entire interaction,
fairly or not.
Understand the elements that make up a
first impression (what they are, what they communicate), however, and you can begin to improve how you are perceived in the opening moments of meeting someone
new. Before diving too deep, it is important to caution against missing the forest for the trees. Impressions matter. But the substance of who you are and the value you have matters considerably more.
What influences a first impression?
- Appearance
What you wear is up to you. We choose clothes based on their utility, their comfort, their style. We also choose clothes to express who we are and how we would like to be viewed. But often, we can’t control how others view us based on those choices. Clothing and appearance matter when
making a first impression. Snap judgements can be – and are – made based on the fit of your suit, the length of your skirt or the color of your shoes.
A study published by psychologists in the UK compared snap judgements made about the same model wearing two slightly different suits. In one photo he’s shown wearing a tailored suit and in another he’s wearing a suit of similar color and style, but off-the-rack. In a 3 second snap judgement, participants rated the model in a tailored
suit as more successful and confident.
In a perfect world, the cut of your suit or fit of your blouse would have no bearing on the impression you make. In reality, even small differences can impact a person’s
initial judgement of you. Not everyone can go out and get a tailored suit. However, you can make a concerted effort to dress the
part for job interviews and networking events. If the event/interview is formal, be sure to match or exceed the formality of the interviewer.
- Body language
Our bodies provide constant clues about how we feel, what we’re thinking and who we are, often without us realizing. Your body can reveal anxiety and nervousness often manifested in the tapping of your feet/hands, touching of your face and biting of your nails. Clearly, the best solution is to not be nervous. For most of us, including myself, this simply isn’t an option during
a job interview or when meeting someone you admire.
Adequate preparation for a job interview or a networking event should limit your nervousness which, in turn, will lessen negative body language signals. You can also take steps to reduce jittery hands and face touching by holding something, like a coffee, pen or bag. You can also make a conscious effort promote positive signals – like confidence and comfortability – through your body language. Maintain an open and upright posture. Limit the crossing of your arms or legs and avoid
hunching your shoulders.
- The Introduction
You’ve already walked into the room dressed for success and with a posture that screams confidence. Next up is the introduction and obligatory handshake. Nothing has been pored over more by career, business and job search blogs than the handshake. And with good reason: the
handshake matters. A firm handshake is a strong indicator of extroversion and openness to new experiences. People with firm handshakes are also seen as less neurotic and shy. So if you have to, practice your handshake until you can deliver a firm, confident introduction.
The second part of a strong introduction is eye contact . Making consistent eye contact shows that you are confident and engaged. Avoiding eye contact shows anxiety and, potentially, deceptiveness. You are looking to build trust and project confidence with
your first impression, so make consistent eye contact. Avoid staring too long, however, as that can be intimidating.
What is the takeaway??
Understand that first impressions matter, but that they aren’t the whole story of who you are and what you can accomplish.
You can study the factors that go into making a positive first impression. You can buy the perfect outfit, master the handshake, use all the right body language and calculate an exact equation for appropriate eye contact. But at the end of the day you need to back up your first impression with actual substance, otherwise it’s all a show.
The best way to project confidence, aptitude and personality is to possess confidence, aptitude and personality.
You have to recognize what you can control. You can control your preparation. You can control your own abilities. You can control how you communicate your value.
You can’t, however, fully control how another person will view you. You just have to put the best version of yourself forward and hope for the best.
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