Etiquette: How to Leave a Great First Impression
March 15th, 2008 by Albert T. Wong `01
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Loading ...Etiquette: How to Leave a Great First Impression
Never leave a sour first impression again during any type of interview. When you first meet someone who is influential, make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion. Give a handshake that exudes confidence. Speak eloquently and articulate clearly:
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Work on varying your voice intonation. You don’t want to come off as a monotone bore. Also, speak the language of the person interviewing you. Avoid slang and jargon not associated with the job you’re interviewing for. Use proper grammar and vocab[ulary] that reflects a higher education. If people can’t understand you, it’s hard for them to like you.
It is important to realize that during such events, the first impression can make or break your chances of promotion or appointment. Be yourself, but be a person you’ll like too.
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The corollary: never trust a first impression.
There are too many “professionals” in the marketplace that have all the right “packaging” but will make your life hell if you hire them.
People lie. People obfuscate. People put their best foot forward, and sometimes the other foot is in the gutter.
The way around this is a very long, deep process of getting to know someone.
Nobody gets hired on a first impression where I work. Don’t waste your time. You better be real, even if you are a guy with fingernail polish who rides a Harley to the interview with a crucified Elvis on the back of your black leather jacket.
Typically, a candidate for an open position has to be interviewed by about 25% of the staff, at different levels, and also give a public presentation. Then the team evaluations of a candidate can go on for months, with numerous background checks.
First impressions? Forget it. We will see right through the pretensions.
The first impression is definitely what counts the most, so if you get it right, you are a winner.