impressions matter, especially in corporate life

A first impression is one’s initial thoughts on a person based on their mannerisms, speech, attitude, and the context of the meeting. First impressions help us decide how we are going to interact with a new person in the short and long-term, hopefully in a positive way. Making a good first impression may help us learn how to relate to each other, can provide an opportunity for additional connections, or simply leave you feeling positively about the interaction. However, remember that a bad first impression is just that: a first impression. Whether you are meeting someone new to whom you are unsure how to relate, or may have fumbled a first conversation, the first impression may have nothing to do with who you are as a person and you may have an opportunity over time to better it.

For these reasons, it is important to cultivate a strong first impression that leaves your audience with a positive idea of who you are and how you operate. Check out this Article for our best tips (and some things to avoid)!

Dress, converse, and conduct for the occasion

The context of the setting will often dictate your conduct and tone. Are you in a casual setting, meeting coworkers for happy hour? Or are you at an interview? In more formal setting, the expectations for your behavior will be more structured. For example, while you might be able to wear jeans and talk sports at a company holiday party, you may want to wear a suit and brush up on current events for an interview. When in doubt, a quick internet search will help you understand the expected behavior. Also check out the FGPM Library for our articles on how to put your best foot forward in work-social settings.

Other tips:

Come well rested

Social settings can expend quite a bit of energy, especially for those who are more introverted. In order to make a good first impression, you want to appear upbeat and relaxed, which can start with a good night’s sleep. For those extroverts who are energized by social situations, be sure not to come on too strong - you want the perfect balance of energy and receptiveness.

Timeliness

One easy way to contribute to a good first impression is timeliness. It is okay to be early and on-time, but be careful on being “fashionably late.” Again, based on the context of the first meeting, determine if the arrival time is firm (i.e. an interview, to which you should arrive early) or more flexible (i.e. happy hour or large gathering).

Positive attitude

We have all been in a small group (or class, or team, etc.) with someone who just couldn’t that day. To create a good first impression, try to come into the setting with a positive attitude. You may have heard the phrase “check your day at the door,” which means to leave any negative thoughts or incidents of the day outside of the space. Not only will this make you seem more present, your new connections will appreciate the good natured conversation and be more likely to want to continue it in the future.

Manners

This one is very straightforward but bears mentioning: mind your manners. For first generation professionals, we may not be aware of the specific social expectations in all settings, including the rare, more formal settings. First and foremost, THIS IS OKAY - nobody expects you to know which of four forks to use at your first company dinner. However, the basics will always contribute to a positive first impression: napkin in the lap when first seated at a table, chewing with mouth closed, observing a speaking volume appropriate to the setting, including others in conversation, etc. FGPM suggests consulting Emily Post (yes, she’s still around) for more elevated manners expectations.

Eye contact and facial expression

Two final body language tips are to maintain eye contact and consider your facial expressions. Again, fairly straightforward - when you are speaking with a person for the first time, be sure to make and maintain relaxed eye contact. New networkers tend to overthink this tip, leading to very intense staring. Soften the gaze, like you are watching television or reading, and let yourself blink naturally. If you are an introvert or eye contact is otherwise a challenge for you, make the eye contact upon first shaking hands (the important part) and then take a break if you start to feel uncomfortable. Politely excuse yourself (“Excuse me for just one minute”) and step outside to recharge. If you are in a 1:1 setting, be sure to breathe and bounce your gaze back and forth between the speakers face and things in the immediate area such as glassware or your plate, and be sure to engage in the conversation. Do not look over their shoulders or off to the side - that can be misconstrued as inattention.

Find common interests

People love to talk about themselves and their interests. Upon meeting someone for the first time, try to find things in common by asking questions about their life. What are their hobbies? What do they do for fun? In more formal settings, how long have they worked for your mutual company? Will your roles overlap or collaborate? While small talk can be tedious, with the right conversation partner, you may discover new things about something you already enjoy.

Other questions:

Why are you both at the event or place of meeting?
What drew you to speak to that person?
Do you have mutual friends?
Are you both from the same town?

Be yourself

And finally, be yourself. Show your personality by answering questions enthusiastically, honestly, and thoughtfully. Remember, people are just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them, so get out there!

Yes, making a good first impression does mean you need to "fit in" to some degree. But it doesn't mean losing yourself or pretending to be someone you're not. The best way to create a good impression is by being your authentic self. Doing this will make you feel more confident, help you to build trust, and earn the respect and integrity from the people you meet. (2).

And just a few “Donts”:

Because you are a human person who functions in society, you will already know that bad manners, inappropriate (or touchy) conversation topics, and a negative attitude will not set you up for a great first impression. Be sure to stay self-aware: is your body language closed off? Are you actually participating in the conversation or simply being a contrarian? Are you actively listenings or waiting for your turn to speak?

Another highly under-considered “don’t” would be constant attention to your phone. While okay to check between conversations, consider putting your mobile on do not disturb or silent during the event.

Citations

Cirino, Erica. “First Impressions: 8 Ways to Make a Good One.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 15 Feb. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/first-impressions#facial-expressions.
Content Team, Mindtools. “Making a Great First Impression.” MindTools, www.mindtools.com/a391uhu/making-a-great-first-impression. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.
Perry, Elizabeth. “How to Make a Good First Impression: Expert Tips and Tricks.” BetterUp, 6 Dec. 2021, www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-make-a-good-first-impression.
Shortsleeve, Cassie. “How to Make the Best First Impression, According to Experts.” Time, Time, 28 Aug. 2018, time.com/5374799/best-first-impression-experts/.