Make the Right Impact
Posted on Monday, May 28, 2007 At
4:37 AM
Psychological research tells us that most people will make up their minds on whether to help or hinder you based on whether they like you or not. It’s not a very sophisticated way of making a decision – it’s just human nature. So you need to make a good impression on others to ensure that they like you.
People give opportunities to the people they like best
In addition, most people actually make up their minds about other people in the first three to five minutes of meeting someone. And then they tend to be very reluctant to change their opinions once they have pigeon-holed you in their mind. So it doesn’t give you much margin for error.
In my work as a business psychologist, I interview a lot of people for jobs. And it never ceases to amaze me how poorly some people can come across initially – and the worst thing is that they don’t seem to realize it either! Below are some tips for making those critical first minutes count.
Create a great first impression
Sort out your physical appearance. Get the opinion of someone you trust and ask them about your dress sense. Too young and trendy – even too colorful or too tarty? Or are you dressing old before your time? And get a good haircut while you’re at it.
Develop a confident handshake and smile. Other people really do notice a limp or vice-like
handshake. Similarly, they notice shyness and a failure to make eye contact as much as they hate overboisterousness or insincerity.
Practice asking good questions and listening to the answers. Always have a couple of questions up your sleeve to ask other people. Other people will always think that you are a good conversationalist if you let them do all the talking!
Now ask the people you know: what tips do they have for making a great first impression?
People give opportunities to the people they like best
In addition, most people actually make up their minds about other people in the first three to five minutes of meeting someone. And then they tend to be very reluctant to change their opinions once they have pigeon-holed you in their mind. So it doesn’t give you much margin for error.
In my work as a business psychologist, I interview a lot of people for jobs. And it never ceases to amaze me how poorly some people can come across initially – and the worst thing is that they don’t seem to realize it either! Below are some tips for making those critical first minutes count.
Create a great first impression
Sort out your physical appearance. Get the opinion of someone you trust and ask them about your dress sense. Too young and trendy – even too colorful or too tarty? Or are you dressing old before your time? And get a good haircut while you’re at it.
Develop a confident handshake and smile. Other people really do notice a limp or vice-like
handshake. Similarly, they notice shyness and a failure to make eye contact as much as they hate overboisterousness or insincerity.
Practice asking good questions and listening to the answers. Always have a couple of questions up your sleeve to ask other people. Other people will always think that you are a good conversationalist if you let them do all the talking!
Now ask the people you know: what tips do they have for making a great first impression?