It’s often said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and there is a lot of truth to this. First impression count, whether we want them to or not; whether it is fair or not, they count. So, it’s crucial that you do as much as you can to make your first impressions count, and make yourself come across well no matter who you are speaking to, or what situation you are in.
Bear in mind that you only have a few minutes to make the right impression, because your boss or prospective employer will be judging you from that point onward. So, make sure you do as much as you can to ensure that you make the best first impression you possibly can. The way to do this is to come up with an action plan to help you. We think that this is the best approach to take when you look at trying to make the best possible first impression.
Be bold
You need to seize opportunities and chances that other people in your position may not take advantage of. You might find yourself with a few moment alone with your boss – perhaps in the elevator, or on a smoke break. These are the sorts of opportunities where you could bend their ear, and really make a great impression. This is your chance to start to build important relationships and impress people as much as you can. This will also help you to think about the way in which you present yourself, and the impact that can have on your future and how people perceive you.
Show keenness
Say, for instance, you do have an opportunity like this, where you get a couple minutes to speak to your boss uninterrupted. What will you talk about? What kind of questions would you choose to ask? Well, there are a lot of things we could choose to talk about, and the simple response is just to panic and talk about the weather or something as mundane as that. But, this is a wasted opportunity, so, instead, try to make sure you choose something that shows keenness. For instance, you might mention a recent meeting you’ve just had, or even discussing a successful project.
Steer clear of certain topics
Remember, if you’re speaking to your boss, or potential boss, you need to make sure you avoid certain topics of conversation. There are a lot of things that are taboos, or subjects that would not be appropriate to be discussing. Keep in mind, you aren’t having a conversation with one of your friends here, so avoid topics like politics, money, or religion. This can set you off down a slippery slope, and it can be very difficult to recover from that effectively. There’s no reason you can’t get to know your boss on a more personal level, but, be sure to steer clear of certain controversial topics.
These are just a few of the key things you need to remember when it comes to making a great, and memorable, first impression. You need to seize on the opportunities that come your way and be bold enough to use them wisely. Making a great first impression is really crucial for helping to benefit and enhance your career path.
