How to Make a Good First Impression: 20 Expert Tips

What was it about them? Did they carry themselves with confidence? Did they greet you with respect and care? Did they make friendly eye contact and remember your name later that day?

What makes new people stand out, and how can we ensure we make the best impression possible when we first sashay in the door? 

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How Quickly Does a First Impression Happen?

They say you never get a second chance to make a great first impression. The truth is, you don't even get one second of time to make your first impression. It happens that quickly.  

As humans, it’s natural to want to make the best first impression when meeting someone. While we all know that people generate first impressions quickly, just how quickly people make split decisions about others is shocking. Researchers found evidence suggesting that a single glance at someone’s face, lasting for just a fraction of a second, was enough for people to make a first impression!

If you're interviewing or about to start your first day of work, use this as your guide. 

Why First Impressions Matter

First impressions can change the trajectory of the rest of your relationship with another person, whether that's a professional relationship, a platonic relationship, or a romantic relationship.

If you’ve made a positive first impression, you’ll likely be able to garner the benefit of the doubt throughout your future interactions. A positive first impression puts you in an advantage from the start. 

If you’re late, you make a mistake, or something else small happens, the first impression you make will likely impact the other person’s urge to either get upset or let it go. If you made a bad impression, it's possible that you will make up for it. However, some folks are stubborn and will hold fast to a bad first impression. 

In short, a positive first impression often leads to more opportunities for success.

How to Make a Good First Impression

While a good first impression can lead someone to think about you in a positive light, a great first impression can lead others to put their trust in you.

Think about it this way, there are candidates in an election whom you consider in a positive nature, and there are candidates who you innately trust to be a voice for the people to achieve goals. That’s the difference between a good impression and a great one.

Follow these steps to make a great first impression—whether it's in an informational interview, at a networking event, or at a casual social gathering. 

1. Be Genuine 

A 2006 study noted that people often draw trait inferences from the facial appearance of other people in about a tenth of a second.

This study suggested that we judge others on their attractiveness, likeability, trustworthiness, competence, and aggressiveness in that same amount of time, regardless of whether we spend additional time with them or not. 

By coming to a first-time meeting as your genuine self, you’ll likely put off vibes of confidence, self-respect, and trustworthiness, whereas if you’re trying to be something you’re not, this will show through. Your discomfort with trying to be something or someone else can in turn be recognized as an unlikeable nature or lack of self-assuredness. 

2. Stay Comfortably You 

Social anxiety has skyrocketed with the pandemic, so if you’re feeling nervous or anxious about meeting people, know that you’re not alone. Keep in mind that an introverted or extroverted nature is not what makes a good first impression.

It’s about how you make others feel around you. You don't have to change who you are; just play to your strengths. If your strength is being a thoughtful observer, lean into that!

3. Mind Your Body Language

Our bodies naturally produce adrenaline when we're nervous, which can lead to fidgeting or pacing to release the built-up energy. This nervousness can then make others uncomfortable, which might negatively impact the first impression. 

Instead of focusing on your nerves, take a deep breath and try to focus on the positive elements of your meeting. Are you meeting with someone who might be a new friend, an industry connection, or a new coworker?

This might be the start of a great relationship! Consider how an open mind can open doors to new opportunities—and translate this to your body language. Instead of closing yourself off, consider uncrossing your arms, making eye contact, and presenting yourself confidently. 

4. Relax Your Jaw

How many of you relaxed your jaw just then? Me too! 

Science indicates that your facial expressions and other non-verbal cues largely impact how others perceive you, and how you make social decisions.

Furthermore, according to nearly 70 percent of Americans, people view those who smile as more trustworthy, confident, and approachable. Additionally, nearly 80 percent of respondents admit that a smile is the most important physical trait when considering the first impression of others.

5. Treat Everybody With Kindness

You’ve heard the phrase “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” and this stands true here.

Treat everyone with kindness, and you will most often be treated with kindness and respect in return. There will always be those who don’t show you the same respect as you show them, but as a rule of thumb, showing kindness will work in your favor.

If you find someone rude, unkind, or disrespectful, try to remember that it might have nothing to do with you. While it doesn't give anyone the right to treat others badly, you never know what someone is going through in their personal life, which might result in unusual or unkind behavior. 

How to Make a Great First Impression During the Job Interview Process

We know, you're nervous. You've practiced answering job interview questions. You've researched the company, and you just want to get through it without any hiccups. Relax and practice a few ways to calm your nerves. You can do this. 

1. Smile!

This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your job interview is off to a great start. Show interest in the company and role. No one wants to hire someone who doesn’t care about the opportunity, regardless of the qualifications they hold.

2. Show Gratitude

Thank people for taking time out of their schedule to speak with you, whether it means that they responded to your job application, conducted a phone screening, or interviewed you. 

3. Respond to Inquiries in a Professional, Positive, and Timely Manner

From scheduling an interview to sending a post-interview thank you note, make sure that your communication is professional, friendly, and timely. 

4. Know Everybody

Research your interviewer beforehand so that you can cater your questions and answers to your audience. Dive into their LinkedIn and conduct a Google Search about their career. 

How to Make a Great First Impression When Communicating Via Email or Instant Messaging 

1. Spell Names Correctly (!!!) 

Start your emails off on the right note. Focus on spelling names correctly and using the proper salutation based on the recipient. You wouldn't start off an email to your work BFF in the same way that you would start an email to the CEO. Know your audience!

2. Regard All Communication Equally

Instant messaging may feel like an opening for more casual conversations, but remember that it’s still a work communication platform. Be mindful of showing respect for others you’re reaching out to, stick with work-related topics, and don’t share anything inappropriate for work. 

3. Be Respectful of Time 

Keep written communications short and sweet. No one has hours to read through your long email. Send an email that is to the point, or suggest a phone call to discuss long-winded topics. 

How to Make a Good Impression During Your First Meeting

1. Be on Time (Always Be on Time) 

Being late can be perceived as disrespectful or disorganized. Traffic can be unpredictable, so aim to give yourself extra travel time in case something comes up. 

2. Show Interest

Ask the person you’re meeting questions about them, so they feel engaged in a two-way conversation. Be present. Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation flowing. Instead of scrolling on your phone, reading emails, or thinking about other obligations, try to be present for the meeting mentally instead of just physically.

How to Make a Good Impression While Representing Your Company at Social Events

Remember that you are acting as the face of the company. Aim to be politically correct, professional, and engaging. If there's an open bar, maybe steer clear of it, especially if you're feeling super nervous.  

1. Try Some Genuine Networking

Use the time to build genuine relationships. If you enjoy humor, don’t be afraid to use that to your advantage here!

Making people laugh and smile can positively impact your first impression. With that said, be mindful that you’re not joking at the expense of anyone else, as this could have the opposite effect and create a feeling of negativity around your humor. 

2. Always Ask Questions 

Have you ever met someone who spoke about themselves for ages and ages—and never asked you one question about yourself? Rude!

Ask questions to show others that you care and are interested in what they bring to the table. Additionally, if you’re impressed with someone, don’t be afraid to hand out compliments. In-person networking can especially help you build a stronger emotional connection to your work and those in your field.

Avoid These First Impression Mistakes

While there are many ways to make a good first impression, here are some traits that can have the opposite effect and work against you to make a bad first impression.

1. Avoiding Eye Contact

Research finds that a direct gaze is associated with confidence, interest, and attraction, while an averted gaze of looking away is related to a lack of confidence, rejection, and being socially ostracized.

2. Being Dismissive or Making Assumptions 

Being dismissive towards someone or acting as if you’re above them is the easiest way to make a terrible first impression. Assume everyone you speak to is important, and treat them as such. Kindness goes a long way. 

3. Forgetting That Your Clothing Makes an Impact 

We're not here to be the clothing morality police, but we are here to say to keep it professional or even business casual, as they say.

Whether or not you want to admit it, clothing makes a big impact on first impressions. Clothing can make a big impact on confidence, so it’s important to dress in a way that makes you feel your best to make the best first impression.

This doesn’t mean that you have to come decked out in expensive or branded clothing, but it does mean that you should be mindful of your appearance. Wear a shirt without wrinkles, brush your teeth, and make yourself look alive! Coming to a meeting looking like you just rolled out of bed won’t work in your favor.

4. Coming in with a Negative Mindset

Negativity is ugly. Leave it at the door.

Meeting people for the first time can cause anxiety, but coming to your first interaction with a negative mindset will give off other vibes to those around you. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep the night before so you can come to first-time meetings with an open mind and a positive mindset.