We’ve all heard that saying “when you look good you feel good,” but how many of us actually take the time every single day to put a little extra effort into our appearance?
Personally, I find it hard to maintain the fly girl image every day. I think most will agree. If, however, we made it a part of our daily routine…like brushing our teeth…it would eventually become a habit. And honestly, it’s not such a bad habit to have!
In order for us to get what we want – whether that’s landing the dream job, finding a soulmate, promoting our new business – in order to get what we want, we must make a lasting impression. Making a lasting impression can be boiled down to AAE – Amaze, Affect and Excite! If we don’t, then we’ll always be spinning our wheels trying to figure out why this THING isn’t happening for us.
My friend Kathy is the type of woman who, when she walks into a room, she becomes the central focus. People literally light up when they see her. They pay close attention when she speaks. Why? Because people are attracted to people who are well put together, and carry themselves in a confident manner.
As a recruiter, my first impression of a candidate is decided within the first five seconds and is typically based on their outer appearance. As shallow as that may sound, it’s the truth. Most people will do the same thing, many without even realizing it.
Within seconds I’ve pretty much figured out what kind of job seeker you are. There’s the serious one who knows what they want and dresses the part, the entitled one who thinks dressing up for an interview is for the birds, and then there’s the completely clueless candidate who had no idea that jeans and sneakers aren’t appropriate interview attire (oh, yes, trust me – they exist!).
I interview candidates daily, and sometimes I can see up to 20 candidates a day. My reaction to the candidate who dresses like he/she is going to the local bodega never seems to change. I just can’t seem to understand why anyone would decide to interview in such casual attire. I’m not sure people fully understand the importance of putting a little extra effort into your appearance – and more importantly, I’m not totally convinced that people really believe that there is a perception that is created when you don’t put time and effort into your physical appearance.
First impressions are meant to be called first impressions because, after the first impression, it doesn’t really matter what the second impression looks like. No one cares at that point. Unfortunately, you don’t get a do-over. And to be honest, I’m not convinced that it would be any different if we did get a do-over!
In my opinion, a first impression is your true, authentic self. It’s hard for most people to be something that they are not, but like I tell my candidates, you have to fake it until you make it. If you’re someone who hates smiling, think of something funny. Hate wearing a dress and stockings, go with a pantsuit instead. If you are someone who would rather pluck their eyelashes out rather than have to wear makeup, then go for a little under-eye concealer and lip balm. If you love your long beard, then at least give it a trim and throw some lotion on it to give it a little shine. Sometimes we have to make some exceptions to our own rules.
Let me just say those first impressions aren’t always based on physical appearance. Appearance isn’t everything. But it holds more weight than you think. More than anything else, I feel, when it comes to interviewing. Please – dress to impress. Plus, when you look good you feel good. When you feel good, you can AAE (Amaze, Affect and Excite)!
Now, in addition to appearance, there are few other things that you should consider so you, yourself, can make the best first impression:
1. Don’t be late.
Being late for an appointment is probably one of the most disrespectful things you can do. Why? Because it shows your lack of respect for people’s time.
Believe it or not, showing up too early for an appointment can also be perceived as a lack of respect. I’ve had candidates sometimes show up an hour early before their scheduled appointment with me and honestly, it just about gets on my last nerve even more so than being late.
Let me explain why and what that looks like. Your interview is scheduled and confirmed for 11 AM, which means I have two hours to get all of my work in before you arrive, which includes a morning meeting that often runs way too long, responding to emails, listening to the 10 new voice mail messages, and god forbid I don’t have my cup of coffee! Now here you come strolling in at 10 AM. Well, now I feel rushed, now I’m cramming everything in, which means I won’t have time for my morning coffee, so now I’m annoyed. Get the picture? Good! The best time to arrive at your interview is 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time, not a minute before.
2. Shake it up and shake hands.
When you meet someone for the first time, a handshake is mandatory. Get used to doing this, unless of course, you have the Ebola virus, in which case you might want to keep your hands to yourself…
There are 3 types of handshakes that you should be aware of and understand how they can be perceived by an interviewer:
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A firm handshake. This type of handshake spells confidence. It tells me that this candidate is sure of himself in a not so cocky way, he/she is probably very personable, a team player and has some great leadership qualities as well. Yes, it really says all of that to me.
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The loosey-goosey handshake. This type of handshake, also known as the wet noodle handshake, typically smells like a candidate with major insecurity issues or someone incredibly indecisive.
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The overpowering handshake. This one reminds me of the short guy with a Napoleon complex. This type of handshake has over-compensator written all over it. This is the candidate that is trying a little too hard to be something that they’re not or the candidate that’s clearly hiding something.
3. Smile, Smile, Smile!
A smile shows that you’re probably a sincere person, an outgoing person, and usually a friendly person. I always encourage my candidates to smile even when they don’t feel like it. Also, it’s important for your smile to be genuine, so think of something that you personally find genuinely funny or think of someone who makes you happy. Another idea is to start taking selfies. It’s a great way to practice and perfect your smile!
The bottom line is this: first impressions play a huge part in our success. It may not get you there overnight, but what it will do is give you another opportunity to be heard, another opportunity to be seen, another opportunity to get a little closer to where you want to be, and an opportunity to make more positive impressions.
The next big opportunity that you have to impress someone, whether it be personal or professional, think about the kind of lasting impression you want to make. Do you want it to be a memorable one or a forgettable one? I think the answer is obvious!
