You Will Never Get A Second Chance At A First Impression
Perhaps we don’t realize we’re doing it. Perhaps we sometimes consciously try not to. Or perhaps we are content in the knowledge that we do. Every day we quietly judge each person that we meet. We look for clues that might shed some light of the type of person they are, if they are confident in themselves, if they are trustworthy. And everyone you meet is quietly judging you too. No pressure!
Let’s break it down a bit though. It goes without saying that behavioral conditioning is behind the infamous “First Impression”. Luckily, behavioral conditioning also has a great deal to teach us about how first impressions work. Common research theory suggests that on average it takes about 7 seconds to form a first impression.
Here is a situation you may relate to:
- You’re walking down the street. You see a man walking towards you. You notice his clothes. He is wearing an expensive looking suit and is impeccably groomed and well presented.
- He takes large strides and walks fast, he looks focused.
- You imagine he has an important job, a nice car, a beautiful home.
- All without exchanging a word.
The process you just went through took all of 7 seconds. You decided based on appearance that this person was successful and affluent. You decided based on body language that he was confident and important. You made assumptions about his lifestyle, based on his appearance and presence.
In 7 seconds you formed a first impressions filter. If you were to see this person again, everything you see or hear will be filtered through that ‘first impression.’
It is that simple, that quick. And once that impression has been made,it’s hard to change.
Don’t waste your first 7 seconds!!
Establishing a positive first impression is crucial. Behavioral cues and body language are being assessed. Visual presentation is being assessed! The focus is on you from the moment you step into view, the analysis starts then!
Good first impressions will help you in every aspect of your life, but let me finish by giving you my top 13 tips to ace your first impression at a job interview:
- Arrive early – tardiness represents laziness and complacency
- Dress to impress – remember the visual impact of first impressions
- Be prepared! There will be a lot of questions, so know the company
- Stand tall and bring a firm handshake
- Make eye contact
- Smile – be happy and grateful to be there
- Be enthusiastic
- Don’t sweat the unexpected questions. Remain composed and take your time, you don’t have to know everything
- Share some information about you
- Show your personality
- Be gracious and thankful
- Be confident, ask questions
- And when all is said and done – walk out like you already have the job
There is great power in a positive first impression….so leave your best mark!
