This is the notion you will set on someone the first time you met them. The opinion they will form of you depends on this. They don't care about your excellent excuse and explanations of why you are late, not up to the tasks, or why your clothes are not ironed.
Altering your first impression is tough and almost impossible as it will require consistent and up-to-standard impressions to change someone's opinion of you. Prepare yourself well in advance if you have an interview or meeting someone for the first time. Making good impressions sets you up for good connections in the future.
Your attitude, behavior, and overall approach set the pace for your relationships onwards.
It determines if you will make a difference or you will just be another ordinary person they will instantly forget.
Ensure you observe the following techniques to guarantee you a first impression.
1KEEP TIME
Nobody wants to be kept waiting, nobody wants to know what transpired. Be ready and prepared beforehand. Attend to small details ie your clothes, means of transport if public or private, and any other requirements ready and well thought through beforehand. Give yourself extra time in case of any accidents or delays happening.
Arriving on time or before is a plus for you. It will give you time to settle down, prepare, and even get accustomed to the environment. Being on time shows dependability and accountability. It says a lot about your character and gives them confidence in you.
2DRESS TO THE OCCASION
Know the day dress code required or expected. Do not just dress to your convenience. If it's an official occasion, dress officially and decently. You do not want to make people uncomfortable and uneasy around you, ie by showing too much skin.
An elegant and professional appearance when starting sets a good rapport. Ask the dress code in your must, do your research, and learn more about the company or organization, and what type of people you will be meeting. This helps you avoid minor missteps and undue humiliation. It's better to be overdressed than to be underdressed.
Dunn and Lucette of the national research council of Canada found out that people are affected by their appearance whether they realize it or not or whether they consider it important or not.
3INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Working around your new area of work and everyone is wondering who you are and what you're doing is not good. Introduce yourself if those presumed to do it like your manager did not get around to doing it. Tell them a little about yourself and what you will be doing. Be friendly but not too friendly. Talk to them whenever you can, be polite, and take advantage of asking directions to make small talk and get to know them.
4BE A TEAM MEMBER
Be ready and open to helping others and contributing to teamwork. They need a helping hand and if you are in a position to offer help, then help out. It often comes later to help you out. But be cautious, don't take on projects that you cannot handle.
5 EYE CONTACT
When talking to someone ensure you create healthy eye contact but do not stare. In her book, "How to Talk to Anyone", Leil Lowndes recommended a 60/40 mix with 60% eye contact being an ideal goal to indicate paying attention without coming through as aggressive. When speaking, it's crucial to look people in the eye, that show attention and appreciation. The dialogues with colleagues and friends should be pleasant and productive. Being friendly and showing interest sets a good impression of you to your colleagues and bosses.
6BE CURIOUS
Do not just listen through the interview or conversations. It makes other people uneasy and sets a bad impression. Contribute to the conversation, ask questions answer questions, and say something.
As a new employee, for example, there are a lot of things you do not know about them or how things work, the timing for everything, protocols in the office, or cultures in this new place. Seek clarification.
When in onboarding training or any form of induction, take notes and listen carefully, it shows interest and a learning attitude. Listening only means you will forget most things that's why writing is crucial, it will help you recall details for later use.
7DO NOT BE DISTRACTED
When in conversation or meetings, take your time to actively listen, and do not be drawn away by other things. Your phone is a distraction. Put it on silent mode and answer your calls, messages, and emails later. The information you will receive will most likely distract you leading to divided attention.
The habit of checking your phone and answering it sets you up for a bad impression. It is disrespectful to the people you are with and the agender you are at. If it's urgent, excuse yourself and walk out of the office.
8BE A GOOD COMMUNICATOR
Learn the tricks and rules of communication. This means listening more than talking but not forgetting to answer questions or ask questions and contribute to the conversation. Listening makes others feel heard and respected. Communication also extends to non-verbal cues like body language, gestures, and tone.
Basic body language includes;
-Firm handshakes that are confident but not aggressive.
-Being upright; sitting or standing upright shows confidence.
The way you behave says a lot about you and will determine if you set a good impression or not.
Founder of first impressions, Ann Demaris, points out that people always remember how you made them feel. Decent and polite communications and conversations make people feel respected and valued.
9KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Prior research is vital for successful meetings and interviews. Research gives you information on the dos and don'ts on your first day. It helps you set a good first impression because you will know how to address the situation. That helps you understand the type of people you will be meeting and what is expected of you.
Know the history, what they do, their goals and ambitions, and any other pertinent information that might come in valuable.
