How to Make a Good First Impression

It takes just a quick glance for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your mannerisms, and even how you are dressed. In other words, when you meet someone for the first time, you need to be on your game from the very beginning. Whether you're meeting new connections, team members, potential employers, or customers, here’s some top tips to make a good first impression.

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Be on Time

By arriving on time, you give a clear message that you’re responsible and respectful of others’ time. Plan to arrive a few minutes early, and allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn. Arriving early is much better that arriving late, and is the first step to make a good first impression.

Dress Appropriately

Regardless of how little you personally care about fashion or style, what you wear matters. The person you are meeting for the first time doesn't know you, so your appearance is usually the first clue he has to go on. While you want to look clean and neat, it's also important to match or slightly exceed the relative level of formality of the person or business you are meeting with—whether that is business formal, highly casual, or something in between.

Smile

Facial expressions are very important when it comes to make a good first impression. Who doesn't want their personal brand to be associated with positivity? Not only does smiling make others feel more comfortable around you, but it also decreases stress hormones that can negatively impact your health.

Be genuine

Just be yourself. No need to try to fake things. To make a good first impression isn’t about wanting to tell the other person what you know and how good you are at something. It’s more about creating a memorable encounter and showing a genuine interest in the other person, listening and responding to what is being said or asked.

Make eye contact

Looking someone in the eye shows that you are confident and interested in what they have to say. Focus on the person or people you are speaking with. It's hard to get to know someone when you're looking down at a screen, so make an effort to make some eye contact with everyone in the room.

Be attentive

It goes without saying that being attentive help make a good first impression. Set aside distractions such as turning off your phone so that you can give the person your full attention. And don't get sidetracked by other people. After all, what kind of first impression would you create if you are more interested in talking to someone else? Your new acquaintance deserves 100 percent of your attention.

Give firm handshake

The handshake is accepted internationally as a professional sign of politeness. A proper handshake can convey confidence. When you're meeting with people whom you trust and have known for years, ask them how they feel after shaking hands, and how your handshake feels in relation to others they've experienced.