Allow me to begin this post by stating that I am not a professional when it comes to making a solid first impression. I don’t think such a profession exists, to be entirely honest, although if it does, I’m sure the job title is a bit more eloquent.
I’ve never been a shy person, and anyone who knows me personally can attest to this. I think I inherited my social skills from my father, as he has yet to meet someone he cannot strike up a conversation with, and I am grateful for this trait; it’s proven to be quite useful more often than not, and strong social skills are something we should all strive to possess.
Unless you’re a hobbit, then I suppose your need for social interactions is null.
When I was in college, we had to complete a mock job interview assignment. Individuals came in from a variety of companies and organizations and conducted very realistic interviews with my peers and I, as if we were, in fact, interviewing for a position at their company. I was told afterwards by my interviewers that I did well, and I have a few tactics I always rely on to give the impression of being a confident person and establishing a strong first impression.
Firstly, while it can be intimidating, find, hold and maintain eye contact. By choosing not to avert your gaze, you’re sending a subliminal message that you’re sure of yourself.
Next, ensure you have a firm handshake. You don’t need to be bionic and crush fingers, but you also don’t want to be a wet noodle. Find the middle ground and lean into it, hard, and even more so if you’re a woman.
Be mindful of your body language. To appear confident and professional, keep a good posture – don’t be hunched over or fidgeting too much, as these can indicate insecurity.
Don’t be afraid to hold your ground. There is a difference between being respectfully assertive and being nasty, and assertiveness is nothing to shy away from.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
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