A Good First Impression Can Work Wonders by Marc LeVine

First impressions matter. Experts say we size up new people in somewhere between 30 seconds and two minutes.

Elliott Abrams

How others size us up is mostly dictated by our appearance, dialogue, and actions. Those we are meeting for the very first time emotionally factor in and process these three criteria into making a snap judgement about us.?Do they like us or not??Are they impressed with us or disappointed??Do they want to work or do business with us, or might they prefer someone else?? It is all based on this first impression.

Remarkably, this internal exercise doesn’t take very long and - just like that -we are judged. Here is the rub. When we make a poor initial impression, it is nearly impossible to recover from it.?It might be a hastily made judgement and undeserved personal call, but it is human nature.? It is also the beholder's prerogative to hold any perception.

Making good first impressions is a soft skill all of us must learn.?It is much like the game of baseball. You can’t get to second base until you pass first base.?In baseball, batters practice hitting and bunting just to get on base, so that upcoming batters can drive them in and add runs.?

Just like batters, we all need to practice being presentable so that others approve of us and still wish to move forward in any endeavor. Whether it be dating, interviewing for a job, soliciting new business or any other situation that requires the approval of others, good first impressions are key.

It is not very hard to help ensure better first impressions for us.?It’s all about adequate prep and taking care of business to be the best version of us. Here are some useful tips:

1.?????Appropriate Dress and Attention to Personal Grooming.?If there was ever a great time to pay special attention to personal hygiene, meeting key people for the very first time is it. ?Showering, shaving, haircuts, trimming nails are musts. ?Perhaps, you don’t need to wear a suit and tie or fancy dress to every meeting, but wrangled jeans and floppy sweatshirts almost never cut it when it comes to making a good first impression.?Business casual is always a safe bet. Appearance/Presentation is the most important area of all when it comes to forming positive or negative impressions.

2.?????Arriving NO MORE Than Fifteen Minutes Early. ?Never keep anyone waiting by arriving late to a meeting or getting there so early that your host(s) are made uncomfortable knowing you are waiting to be seen while they complete their scheduled activities. However, arriving 15 minutes early allows extra time to go through security checks, fill out surveys and questionnaires and or complete other forms, such as job applications. This helps avoid cutting into actual meeting time.

3.?????Let the Meeting Host(s) Lead the Way.?Avoid trying to take control of the appointment by overpowering the meeting organizer’s hosting role.?Let the host lead the visit, while you try and get a better sense of what “fitting in” looks like. Participate in a measured and respectful way. It is often a good idea to mirror the personalities of your hosts and follow their leads, especially early on in the meeting.?Don't get too familiar! This is no place to start out like a “class clown,” or to be an overly pushy and boisterous type.?Display ONLY poise and good manners!

4.?????Speak Well and Clearly.?Guard against any inappropriate vocabulary entering your speaking.?Pay extra attention to things like tone, grammar, and syntax (use the right choice of words). Where passion and conviction can be used effectively, be sure to call on these enhancers.?Along with grooming and dress, verbal communication is something first-timers pay added attention to.

5.?????Read the Host’s Body Language Throughout the Visit.?If a hand is extended, shake it or bump it.?Do not sit until your host motions or verbally offer you the seat.?And, if the host rises at some point well into the meeting, he/she may be signaling the meeting is ending. Time to prepare to wrap it up and take your leave.

There are many things we cannot control when we meet people for the first time, but we can prepare for all the above and increase our chances for making a good initial impression.

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The Author

Listen to Marc's latest interview on The AutomationBlog Podcast with Shawn Tierney.

Marc LeVine is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions and Learning and Development Lead at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

His prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ