Image by Adam Radosavljevic from Pixabay
Hi lovelies,
Unfortunately, making a first impression is something you can only do once, so you need to get it right. According to a Harvard study of communication, it only takes seven seconds to make a first impression on another human being. According to Forbes magazine, your brain makes a thousand computations when you see someone in those seven seconds. Are they trustworthy, confident, likable, or competent? Within those seven seconds, a decision has been made, even though you probably haven’t even said hello. The other thing that is now going to impact first impressions is that, certainly at the moment and more increasingly in the future, first impressions will be made online. So how can you make a great first impression?
When it comes to making a first impression online, the fundamentals are the same as in person, but there are just a few differences. For example, when you make a first impression in-person, you might be wearing a great perfume or aftershave; you can give a good handshake or dress to impress. However, making an impression online, in the first instance, you can usually do this on paper. For example, whether you’re looking for a new job or a date, you get the opportunity to write a profile or a CV. According to practicematch.com, your is typically the first glimpse that a hiring organization will see, so it is essential that you create a CV that sends the message that you are a viable candidate. What’s good about this is that the other person can read your profile or CV numerous times; however, they can only meet you for the first time once.
Another thing is that you are the curator of your own online presence, so you can make sure that your online image is one that you want people to see. Make sure your Google yourself to find out what your web presence is, have a look at every link, and search the images as well.
When it comes to an online meeting, make sure that your camera is on because without it, you are limiting yourself to only your voice as your means of communication. It’s also important to stay focused and to be fully present with the person you are communicating with. This is about respect, and while it is more tempting over a video call or phone call to try to do something else at the same time, it doesn’t look good, and it’s obvious that your attention is elsewhere. Your body language matters, too, so make sure that you’re sat up straight, you’re smiling, and you’re as expressive as you can be.
Finally, even though you’re online, it does matter what you wear. While you might not need to put shoes on, you should still get appropriately dressed and make a good impression just as you would in person. It shows that you care and have made an effort for that person. If you would do it to go out to meet them, then do it to stay at home to meet them.
