Creating a Positive First Impression can lead to a New Job
First impressions can make the difference between long lasting relationships and your next rejection letter. Making the right first impression is a fairly simple concept, but it’s one that is very important. Many people consider the first impression to be more even important than your resume.
Mastering the art of the first impression is pretty straight forward, but requires practice and preparation. Most people think the first impression is built throughout your first meeting. According to that train of thought, you are building the first impression throughout the first interview.
Unfortunately, that belief is completely inaccurate. The first impression is formed in as little as 8 seconds. Most people form a belief about your abilities while you are walking in the door. To shape the first impression you make remember the following points: Arrival time, Appearance, and Attitude,
Arrival Time – First and foremost, you must be on time. If you show up to a first appointment late, it creates a whole host of negative impressions from arrogance to laziness. If you struggle with timeliness, accept it and adjust your behavior. Try showing up 30 minutes early, this will ensure the first impression isn’t impacted by tardiness.
Appearance – Countless studies have shown that people physical appearance has a direct impact on social acceptance, salary, job duties, etc… For instance, in 2004 a study concluded that an inch of height can amount to a salary increase of $789 per year.
You can’t change some physical appearances like height or weight, but you can control many other aspects of your appearance. Appropriate attire, a clean shave, or even a decent hair cut can significantly impact the chances of being hired by a potential employer.
The easiest change you can make to your appearance is a smile. A casual smile during the introduction and throughout a conversation will make people want to work with you even more. Just be careful not to overdo it. A faked or overly excited smile is easy to see through. It can make them see you as unqualified, nervous, or deceptive.
Attitude – Attitude is everything. Maintaining a positive attitude during the interview process will make the employer more receptive to your message. It will also create the impression that you are cooperative, easy to work with, and enjoy what you are doing.
The person you are interviewing with has given you their time because they think you are a good fit for the role. Given the huge amount of competition on the market, that is a big compliment. In return, you owe the interviewer the courtesy of giving them 100% of your time during the interview. This courtesy goes a long way to shape the first impression you make.
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We have heard many times that first impression is the last impression.If You can impress the person before you in your first meeting then you have won the half of the battle.A must read post.
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