12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression
first_impressionWe talk a lot about personal branding and the need to have solid marketing documents that articulate your true value. However, if you can’t make a strong personal connection, it will be that much harder to demonstrate that you have the skills needed for the job. Making a great first impression is half the battle in impressing a hiring manager. Here are 12 tips to help you make a solid first impression, compliments of Alyson Kruger at Business Insider:
1. Dress to impress. Studies reveal that first impressions are formed within the first 17 seconds of a meeting, and 55 percent of that opinion is appearance. How does this affect your strategy for attire? Dress conservatively, even if the dress code for the workplace is casual or “funky.” Avoid loud accessories, hair styles, shoes, or anything that would take attention away from your skills. Also dress to show that you respect for the interviewee and the company.
2. Think before you speak. Seven percent of what we think of others is based on what they say. Think about how you want to come across, whether it’s humble, aggressive, optimistic, innovative, then make a list of words to convey that impression. Even if you don’t use those words it will help you prepare.
3. Watch your tone of voice. Thirty-eight percent of a person’s first impression is taken from tone of voice. Consider how you sound to others. Do you sound calm, enthusiastic, confident, humble, self-assured. Practice the way you want to be perceived.
4. Adjust your body language. Ninety-three percent of people’s judgments are based on non-verbal cues. A firm handshake, good posture, a smile, and eye contact will help reinforce a good first impression. Avoid gestures like crossing your arms or sitting too casually which may convey that you are bored or don’t care. Be aware of your physical attitude.
5. Use their name, often. People like to be acknowledged and studies show that addressing potential customers by name increases the likelihood of a sale by 36 percent. When you meet someone, say their name – “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jim.” And repeat their name through the interview. It will help cement the relationship.
6. Be on time. Being late shows a lack of respect for others’ time. If you can, arrive 15 minutes early and use the time to collect your thoughts.
7. Focus on them. Even though it’s an interview, focusing too much on yourself will bore the other party. Prepare by making a list of questions about the other person and their company. You don’t have to go into great detail but show that you are interested in learning more about them.
8. Listen. We have talked about the need for good listening skills in the past. Exchange information, don’t dominate the conversation, and listen to the others closely. Also acknowledge what they are saying with phrases like, “that makes sense” or “interesting” or “can you elaborate on that” to show you are engaged.
9. Tain’t necessarily funny. Watch the use of humor. Avoid sarcasm or controversial jokes that could be misinterpreted, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time.
10. Bring your documents. Don’t assume they will have copies of your documents. Bringing your own paperwork shows you are prepared. And bring them in a portfolio or briefcase to show you are organized.
11. Do your homework. Learn all you can about the person whom you will be meeting. Check them out on LinkedIn, the corporate web site, and using other social networking tools so you can ask informed questions about them.
12. Be yourself. If you can, try to relax and be yourself – be authentic. To help you overcome nervousness, do something to relieve the stress. Exercise beforehand, listen to music, whatever helps you relax. Also give yourself a pep talk, list your best qualities, practice in the mirror, or call a friend to give you a boost. And during the meeting try to relax. You can never know what the other party is thinking so just be yourself.
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