Three Tips to make a Good First Impression

At every stage of your life, it’s important to make a good first impression. No matter the situation — job interviews, blind dates, teacher conferences, or just new friends — your first impression matters. It can be formed as quickly as 1/10th of a second and last up to two years, so it’s imperative to start your relationship on the right foot. Luckily, there are a few tips that you can follow to help you nail that first-time meeting.

1. Look Presentable

Your appearance is more than just clothing. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t dress to impress. In fact, something as simple as the addition of a wrist watch to your outfit of the day can make you look sophisticated and thoughtful. The most important thing you’ll want to avoid is appearing sloppy. This applies to your grooming regimen too.

Taking care of your hair and skin is important to rounding out your look. Hair should look healthy and well-kempt, not disheveled: owning your hairstyle can exude confidence both internally and externally. Unfortunately, thinning or balding hair can make someone feel insecure, but a topical solution like Minoxidil can help stop hair loss, and possibly even promote hair regrowth. The same importance should be placed on healthy skin. Avoiding dry skin, sunburns, and acne suggest that you care about your appearance. Your first step should be daily application of a moisturizer with SPF in order to keep skin hydrated and safe from UV rays. Any other struggles with your hair or skin routine may be addressed by a doctor.

2. Mirroring

Mirroring is the art of subconsciously repeating a person’s mannerisms, way of speaking, attitude, etc. It is not to be confused with imitation, which is much more obvious, perhaps even juvenile. Mirroring helps to build a connection with the other person, as your reflection of the person you’re engaging makes you seem more likeable and relatable. Research has actually shown that mirroring can help waitresses get better tips and assist salespeople in closing deals. 

If you want to mirror someone, you should be directly facing them when having a conversation and maintain eye contact from start to finish. Following the same gestures that they make, like talking with your hands, for example, will make you seem engaged and approachable. When they smile, this should also evoke a smile from you. Because 48% of people consider a smile to be your most memorable feature, you’ll want to make sure that it looks as best as possible. Following tips for healthy teeth can help achieve this goal and also reinforces tip one by making you look more presentable.

3. Make a Connection

Connecting with someone on a personal level will ensure that they find an interest in you and want to further the relationship. Small talk and asking interesting questions will help you get to know the person and find common ground. If you can discover similar interests in anything from sports teams to favorite movies, vacation destinations or common experiences, you both have something distinctive to associate with each other. Next time you meet after forming a first impression, you will already have common ground to build off of.