1. Punctuality is the key: Someone you are meeting for the first time is not interested in your “good excuse” for running late. 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, hands down, and is the first step in creating a great first impression.
2. Be Yourself, Be at Ease: If you are feeling uncomfortable and anxious, this can make the other person uncomfortable as well and is a sure way to create the wrong impression. If you are calm and confident, so the other person will feel more at ease, and so have a solid foundation for making that first impression a good one.
3. Present Yourself Appropriately: Of course physical appearance matters. The person you are meeting for the first time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has to go on. But it certainly does not mean you need to look like a model to create a strong and positive first impression. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately. Is your appearance saying the right things to help create the right first impression?
a. Dressing: Dress in appropriate formal clothes as mentioned below:
Boys: Light colored shirts with dark pants along with leather belt and shoes. (please note that belt and shoes must be of same color). Tie is optional.
Girls: Light colored shirt/top with dark colored trousers. Closed toed shoes and scarf if desired. In case of Indian attire – Salwar Suit with dupatta
b. Grooming: Your appearance must be clean and tidy. Boys should ensure a good haircut and preferably shave. Clean and tidy clothes. Girls should ensure light but neat and tidy make up. Make sure your grooming is appropriate.
Appropriate dressing and grooming help make a good first impression and also help you feel “the part”, and so feel more calm and confident. Add all of this up and you are well on your way to creating a good first impression.
4. A Winning Smile: As the saying goes, “Smile and the world smiles too.” So there’s nothing like a smile to create a good first impression. A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease. So smiling is a winner when it comes to great first impressions. But don’t go overboard with this – people who take this too far can seem insincere.
5. Be Open and Confident: When it comes to making the first impression, body language as well as appearance speaks much louder than words. Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self-assurance. Stand tall, smile (of course), make eye contact, greet with a firm handshake.
6. Be Positive: Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness.
7. Be Courteous and Attentive: It goes without saying that good manners and polite, attentive and courteous behavior help make a good first impression. In fact, anything less can ruin the one chance you have at making that first impression. So be on your best behavior!
