Your Guide to Making Good First Impressions
August 14, 2024
During the interview process, you have the opportunity to make a good first impression by the way you speak, act and how well you listen.
Making the most of this opportunity is important to landing a job and winning over your new colleagues. In this article, you’ll learn what a first impression is, why a good first impression is important, how to make a good first impression during a job interview and how first impressions can affect you in the workplace.
What is a first impression?
A first impression is the initial consideration or judgment someone makes about who you are after their first interaction with you. Several factors may influence someone’s first impression of you, such as how you look, what you wear, how you speak and your overall emotional state. When you are looking for a new position, how you present yourself on your application, in your resume and during an interview can all impact the recruiter and hiring manager’s first impression of who you are.
The importance of a good first impression
First impressions are important because human nature compels us to hold on to our initial impression of someone and we can find it difficult to change this opinion even when the other person presents us with evidence contrary to that belief. This makes it very important for us to know the impression we portray of ourselves when we first meet someone in an interview or the workplace.
Related: Guide: How to Succeed at a Hiring Event or Open Interview
How to make good first impressions during an interview
Follow these steps to ensure you make a good first impression during your interview:
- Be prepared.
- Arrive on time.
- Dress professionally.
- Use good posture.
- Use a friendly greeting.
Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/making-good-first-impressions