First impressions are super important. When we meet someone, we make snap judgments and opinions about them. Even though this might not be fair, it’s true. And once we have that original opinion of them, it takes a longer time to change it than it did to create it. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, so you want to make sure that it’s perfect. Whether you’re meeting a new date, an interviewer, a client, or anyone else – you feel pressured to impress them. Here are a 6 simple tips to help you make an amazing first impression, no matter who it’s for.
1. Dress Appropriately
You don’t need to spend a ridiculous amount of time getting ready for whatever the occasion is. Just make sure that you take the time to think about what you’re wearing. For instance, you probably don’t want to wear your “date night” dress to a job interview. Just like you probably don’t want to wear a pants suit to a date. If you’re not sure what to wear, you could always ask a friend for their opinion. Also, make sure you look neat and clean – and go easy on the perfume or cologne so you don’t overwhelm anyone.’
2. Smile and Seem Approachable
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” A smile is a powerful tool. No matter who you’re meeting with, you don’t want to seem distant or unapproachable. You want to seem friendly and open, and a smile is a great way to convey that. Plus, people are more likely to trust people who smile a lot because it makes others seem more positive and safe.
3. Show Confidence
Even though you might be secretly nervous, you need to try to exude confidence. People are more attracted to people who are self-assured – whether it be when hiring an employee or when looking for a romantic partner. And if you’re not really confident? Fake it ’til you make it – they won’t be able to tell the difference!
4. Pay Attention to Your Body Language
This sort of goes along with number 3, but make sure you pay attention to your body language. Body language is an easy way to tell how a person is feeling. You can tell whether they’re confident, relaxed, bored, etc. Don’t fidget, bite your nails, twirl your hair, or anything like that. Make sure that you’re sitting or standing straight, but seem relaxed too. And remember to make eye contact!
5. Act Interested in Meeting the Person
It’s important that you show this person that you actually want to be wherever you are. If you act like you had to be dragged there or you’d rather be somewhere else, they’ll be able to tell. Make sure that you’re conversational and engaging, but give them a chance to talk too. Just give off the vibe that you’re really interested in meeting them.
6. Be Yourself
When you’re pretending to be someone who you’re not, it’s usually easy to see through. So even though you’re doing all of these things to make a good first impression, don’t forget to just try to relax and be yourself. It’ll make you seem much more authentic and likeable.
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I’m always terrified of meeting people for the first time when it’s important. Especially when it comes to having job interviews at the moment. I honestly think the phrase ‘fake it until you make it’ works to an extent as long as you’re not straying too far from who you are. If you pretend you have confidence, you will. Danielle || missdanielle.com
I know how you feel because I’m super shy! But you’re right, if you act like you’re confident, sometimes it helps you actually feel more confident. 🙂
I’ve been told I’m so normal when I first meet people that it makes them uncomfortable and sometimes even insecure. I find it quite odd because I’m a very calm and friendly person, with a beautiful and genuine smile. It confuses me, I wrote about it on my site joliennathalie.com as wel, but talking about girl-on-girl hate, cause sometimes some people just don’t give you the chance for a great first impression 🙂 Loved your article!
Thank you! I don’t know why that would make people feel uncomfortable. People who act normal and approachable actually make me feel more comfortable when I’m meeting them for the first time, lol. 🙂
Love your tips, they’re worth keeping in mind when going to an interview (it’s something I’ll have to face soon) but also when meeting new people in general. From my perspective I can say that I don’t feel good around people who seem distant and unapproachable, but I know that this can sometimes be a sign of shyness, too.
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Thank you! Yes, I’ve actually been told that I seem unapproachable when I first meet people, but it’s because I’m super shy. 🙂 That’s why I try to follow these tips so I seem more down-to-earth and like myself, haha.