Why The First Impression Is Important

First impressions count. If people do not like what they see upon first meeting you, they're probably gone forever! In chess, you are checkmated in one move. In faery tales, you are slayed by the dragon even before you have a chance to draw your sword. There is no easy chance to change their thought about you. Even if you succeed, still it takes them some extra time to get over their first impression about you. That is why the first impression is important.

The fact says that when you first meet a person, he makes a judgment about you in 4 seconds, some say 7 seconds, and his judgment is then finalized basically within 30 seconds of that initial contact. It will be crucial when you are in a job interview or any moments that require the other person to decide whether he is willing to hire or not to hire you, to see you again or no. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your character, your manner, and how you are dressed. Here we are not talking about the expensive suits we are wearing, but how well we are accepted by the other person in the subconscious level. First impression is first impression, and the good first impression does matter.

Perhaps the easiest way to start is by putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes. What would you like to see in someone upon your first meeting? Is he/she someone who smiles warmly, who gives you a proper handshake, who is wearing proper clothing (again, it does not have to be expensive), or what? In any case, you will not expect to meet someone who wears flipflops in a job interview.

Below are some tips you may find useful in creating a good first impression in 7 seconds:

1. Smile. Facial expression is very important to create a good impression. Avoid a false, cheesy grimace as the other person will know it is fake. Have this in your mind: “I’m a lovely, fun person who would love to talk with you about our future". This positive thought will be reflected on your face and make it shine.

2. Give a proper handshake. Socially, the handshake is commonly used to greet one another in the spirit of friendship and sincerity. Whether you are in a job interview or connecting with an old friend, the handshake is an influential part of society that will solidify our relationship and harmony with others. Read more about Why A Handshake Is Important.

3. Introduce yourself. When you shake somebody’s hands, just say, “Hi, I’m Ivy." He will then introduce himself and you can reply, “It’s nice to meet you” or something similar. It breaks the tension and creates a conversation topic. As every one need to be productive in those 7 seconds, do not waste time on random topics. Stay focus.

4. Speak clearly. Make sure the other person understand what you are saying. Keep your words relevant and appropriate as you want to give them as much, good information as possible. Do not speak too loudly and try a deeper voice–people will tend to take you more seriously if you speak with a deeper voice.

5. Keep the eye contact. Although the eye contact rules may vary in some cultures, it generally helps create a good first impression. Do not stare—as it seems creepy and manipulative—but hold the other person’s gaze for at least 3 seconds at a time.

6. Look smart. Appearance is as important as body language and your answers, so you need your appearance to be fitting for the occasion. Remove any accessories that could hinder their first impression of you.

So smile, shake hands, speak clearly and look smart, and you will be fine on your way to create the best first impression. And it is important. Good luck!

***

Via businessinsider, linkedin

Photo: Freeimages.com/Gokhan Okur