First impressions have a certain stickability factor that makes them the dreaded moment of every hopeful hire’s life. You might be the most likeable person in the world—but if you can’t convey that in less than a second, you’ve already lost your audience and the job.
So in the race against time and the ways you’re sabotaging yourself (unbeknownst to you), what can you do to stand out in the best of ways?
Here are five simple ways to warm up a meeting and boost anyone’s perception of you right from the start.
1. Dress to impress
I’m not just talking about leaving the loungewear for the weekends. Dressing nice is good, but
dressing up is better. Make sure that the details are literally ironed out. No wrinkles, shined shoes, crisp collars, clean clothes. They are part of a package that presents you as confident and ready to take ownership of a new role. After all, if you can’t manage the details of your own appearance, how can you effectively fulfill their expectations?
2. Be positive
Nobody wants to be around a Negative Nell. Such Nells are easy to identify, nearly from the moment they open their mouths. Instead of criticizing and complaining about your last employer, position or coworkers,
focus on the positive. This will not only make you a joy to be around, but silently assure others that you won’t talk poorly about them behind their backs.
3. Watch your body language
Your attire and your body language are your ambassadors before you ever open your mouth to say a word. Firm handshake, good posture and solid eye contact shows
confidence. Avoid fidgeting and nervous ideosyncracies to silently convey that you’ve got control of yourself and can handle any situation.
4. Speak at the right time
You’re eager to share why
you’re right for the job. But hold off on jumping into the conversation at inopportune moments—like when your interviewer is speaking. Interrupting shows a lack of respect and a degree of self-serving narcissism. Your turn will come, and you’ll be more likely to be heard well if you don’t alienate your audience by interruptions.
5. Hold back unsolicited opinions
We all have unique ways of viewing the world. But if you haven’t been asked to divulge, just keep your thoughts to yourself. By sharing clashing views during a first meeting, you’re unknowingly creating a baseline in your listener’s mind for future interactions. Think they can improve the company? Keep your unsolicited advice to yourself, and you might just get offered the opportunity to make a difference.
First impressions can be stressful. But if you take a few moments to compose yourself and learn how to do them right, you can succeed in every interaction.
