10 tips to make a good first impression
Like it or not, there are situations in life where it is important to make a good first impression . If what you want is to get that job you want so much, or not throwing away the first date with the boy or girl you've spent so many hours sighing for, you'd better read this article.
And it is that, in this type of situations, probably only you have a unique opportunity to project a good impression. People form opinions of others with only a few minutes, and that's why you should be prepared to show your best version . This does not mean you should pretend to be a senior executive when you're not. But even so, being yourself, the attitude or nerves can play tricks on you.
Science has shown that the first impression is achieved in just seven seconds since you meet someone . Therefore, when you meet new people, they make a quick scan of your smile, your way of shaking hands, the way you present yourself, and so on. As the minutes go by, they think about whether you are trustworthy, if you are genuinely a good person, if they want to continue knowing you or if they want to continue working with you. As you can see, many questions are answered in those critical minutes. What they see about you and what you make them feel, will mark if they still have contact with you or not.
Tips for a good first impression
People can forget what you said. People can forget what you have done. But They will never forget how you made them feel . Think about it for a few seconds, you also form a first impression of the people you meet for the first time, so you should know that. On some occasion, you will have made a mistake judging others ahead of time.
To prevent this from happening to you, we invite you to follow the following tips.
1. Be punctual
First of all, you must be punctual. Nobody likes that the person with whom they have been late arrives late , and less if it is a job interview. Be aware of this and give yourself enough time to arrive at the time because, otherwise, you may not have a second chance.
2. Observe body language
Your body language speaks silently about you. Several studies have shown that it is four times more important than the things you can say . Looking the person in the eye while talking to them or shaking their hands firmly is important to make a good first impression.
3. Smile
Although the smile has to do with body language, separate it from the previous point is important to remember. You do not have to show your teeth, but There is nothing that creates a better impression than a big smile . Try not to go from the smile to the seriousness very fast, it will seem that you are forcing it. The key is in naturalness.
4. Relax
Posture is important to show good body language, but do not look like a robot when you try to control it . Sit straight, but do not be so rigid that you notice that forces the situation. Relax and do not be nervous, enjoy the moment.
5. Be yourself
Do not pretend to be someone you are not, because you may be noticed. So be yourself . This may sound like a cliché but it is the truth. So try not to lie, because if you get caught you will be marked as a liar.
6. Be positive
Your attitude is shown in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even if you receive criticism or are nervous . If you have an interview or have stayed with that special someone, you should think that if for some reason the situation does not go as you wished, it will be a great learning.
7. Trust yourself
This point gathers all the previous ones, because if you trust yourself, your body language projects it: you smile more, you hold your hand firmly, you are relaxed, etc. Consequently, not only is it a matter of being relaxed in a forced way, but you must value yourself. If not, you may be successful in the first meeting, but little by little your lack of confidence will gain ground.
8. Be open and humble
The humility It is one of the values that we most appreciate human beings. Try not to be arrogant and show yourself open to others . That creates trust, and a good rapport. A big ego can create rejection, so if you want to fall fast, show yourself as a humble and respectful person.
9. Highlight your features
We have something unique to offer. Maybe you are an expert in a branch of knowledge that generates curiosity in others, or that you have a great sense of humor. If you still do not know what you can offer, you better do a self-knowledge job right now . Now, it is not the same to seduce a girl or a guy who seduces an interviewer for a job. So you must also take into account the situation of each moment.
10. Be empathetic
To get along with others, you must be empathetic. This means that if you look at the situation from the point of view of others, you will be closer to knowing exactly how to act and leave a good impression on that person.
Bonus: Dress according to the situation
You must try to be yourself whenever you can. But there are many times when you have to show a certain image. For example, if you aspire to a position in a multinational you must use a look serious. In this case, you must identify the needs of the situation and, if you really want that position, dress in the right way .
