This may sound like a cliché, but it really is true. Figures vary, but it’s generally accepted that most people, including recruiters, will have made a decision about you within the first 5-10 seconds. That doesn’t give you much time to make sure that the impression they get of you is the best it can be. So, what can you do to ensure you make a great impression, from the very first second, every time?
Don’t be Late!
Being on time is one of the cardinal rules of making a good impression. Of course, there are times when something comes up or there’s an unforeseen problem that cannot be avoided. When this happens, you should let whoever is waiting for your arrival know that you are running late. Do this as soon as possible, preferable before the time the meeting is due to start. However, don’t turn up an hour before your appointment is due – thinking that the earlier you arrive the more impressed they’ll be is unwise. Approximately 10-15 minutes before the appointment date is just about right.
Smile
Smiling gives the impression that you are confident and relaxed. So, it’s always a good idea to smile at the people you are meeting. Not only that, smiling has other proven benefits that might just give you the edge:
• smiling makes you feel better and more relaxed by releasing the happy hormone oxytocin; this feeling is transferred to the person you are dealing with too
• research shows that people who smile are more likely to make those around them think they are trustworthy
• if you say something, then think it’s silly, or you embarrass yourself a smile can dissolve the situation nicely. In fact, science shows that smiling in such a situation helps to elicit feelings of empathy from others.
Body Language
Body language gives away a lot of information, often when you’re not even aware that it’s happening. So, you need to make sure you keep yours in check. You should use open, confident body language, such as:
• keeping your arms unfolded
• maintaining eye contact
• standing up tall
• facing the other people front on
• give a solid handshake
Find Something in Common
It really helps to build a good impression if you are able to chat easily. To prepare for chat it helps if you know a little about the person you are going to meet beforehand – without looking like a stalker that is! If you can find out whether they like any sports or sit on the board of a local charity, for instance, you’ll have some topics to for small talk. This helps both you and the other person relax, creating a great impression.
Don’t Forget Please and Thank you
It may seem obvious, but many people forget to say please without even realising it, so make sure you do as being courteous is one of the main ways to impress people. But this does not stop at saying please and thank you – you should also make sure you are being attentive. This means switching off your mobile phone so that you can give 100% of your attention to the person you are speaking to.
Dressing Appropriately
How you dress will certainly make a big impression on anyone you might see, but especially on recruiters. If you turn up for an interview in a bank dressed like you’re on your way to a music festival, it will not create the right impression. There may be some occasions when you can relax the rule, for example if you were to attend an open interview for a role at a themed restaurant. If you are unsure what the dress code might be, you can always ask. But dressing appropriately doesn’t stop there. It also means you should be clean and tidy. Don’t wear clothes that are dirty or creased and make sure any hairstyle or the make-up you wear is appropriate for the situation.
Follow the rules above and you should make a great first impression every time!
