5 Reasons Why First Impressions Are EVERYTHING

Managers are the face of the business culture, and are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the rest of the business. They drive retention and keep teams together. Losing a manager has considerable hidden costs in terms of lost productivity. Companies looking to replace personnel in these roles have necessarily high standards.

We only get one chance to make a first impression. There’s no way around this simple fact. And whilst it is an important thing to realise; it certainly isn’t something to be anxious about.

First impressions are vital. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to deliver a top notch one.

Consider your attire careful, and whilst it isn’t necessary to purchase new clothes for the occasion, it may well be worth paying special attention to the way you present your ordinary business attire.

A useful mental exercise is to look at yourself in the mirror, and try to imagine that you are the interviewer.

Question whether there is anything about your presentation that would warrant special attention or seem out of place.

With this in mind; you should also be aware that no credible HR representative or employee will consider your appearance as the be all and end all! Many employees will practice the mantra of no judging books by their covers. You shouldn’t, therefore, make inscrutable and often arbitrary judgements about your own appearance. Behave and try to appear in the most honest and forthright way possible.

Your posture is also vital.

Standing upright with your shoulders back is a sign of ready engagement with a given situation and the world at large. Focus on straightening your spine and broadening your shoulders without seeming as though you’ve had a broomstick stuck up the back of your shirt!

Silence your phone! There are no acceptable circumstances in which you should answer your phone or allow it to disrupt an interview. End of story. Receiving calls or other contact during a meeting is not a sign that you’re important; nor should it be considered as a tactic.

Turn your device off and focus on the situation at hand.

There are no excuses for misspelling someone name or failing to do some simple research on whom you may be meeting and what their responsibilities are.

This process can be incredibly rewarding; offering you some inside and advanced knowledge of the situation. It will be expected by many employers that you’ve educated yourself about their staff and whom you may be engaging with.

There are a handful of phrases that it makes sense to avoid saying altogether during an interview and when meeting potential colleagues for the first time.

These include; ‘Sorry, but…’ be direct and unapologetic about reasonable statements or requests; and don’t make unreasonable ones.

‘I don’t want to bother but…’. This phrase gives the same impression. Consider carefully whether you are needlessly belittling yourself by suggesting that you are being a nuisance.

‘I’m just saying…’. Here, you’re allowing yourself to suggest that your idea or suggestion are making is hardly important at all. Whilst this may make you seem weaker than necessary, it also affords your contribution very little impact. If you’re saying something meaningful; then say it confidently.

Find more opportunities to connect with potential employers and make that big impression with Coby Phillips Recruitment Consultancy.