Research shows that the first impression is formed within 7 seconds after meeting someone. If you have a job interview, the manager can make the decision to hire you in just 30 seconds.
Avoiding common mistakes that spoil that first impression can increase your chances of finding a job, a friend, a client, or a life partner.
We collecte some common mistakes that can make you look rude, boring, selfish, and irritating in the eyes of someone you meet for the first time.
Read this list to the end to find out how to avoid mistakes and use your 7 seconds wisely.
Things That Ruin First Impression
8. Weak Handshake
Weak handshakes can be a real first impression killer. Research shows that people with a weak handshake are considered shy, anxious, less open, and lacking in skills.
Another common mistake people make is holding each other’s hands for a long time. If you want to be successful, give a firm handshake, and follow the two-second rule.
7. Wrong Hand Position
Pay attention to the position of your hands while sitting. You can put your hands in your lap, but do not put them in your pocket, as this would suggest that you are hiding something.
Placing your hands on the table, not squeezing too hard or lowering your palms, may indicate you want to control the interviewer.
Also, while placing your hands on the table and bending them freely is an appropriate and even preferable position in the Western world, this gesture would be considered rude in Japan and India.
6. Chewing Gum
If a person sees you for the first time and you are chewing gum, they may think that you are an immature, childish, somewhat lower class.
Chewing gum is a bad idea in a job interview. However, in less formal circumstances, people who chew gum are generally evaluated as more friendly and approachable.
5. Avoiding Eye-contact
Eye contact is a powerful tool for making a good first impression. Research shows that people who maintain eye contact while speaking and listening are often considered more confident and intelligent.
People who avoid eye contact, on the other hand, are seen as less sincere, less attractive, and more anxious.
4. Wrong Conversation Topics
There are some taboo subjects that will not help you make a good first impression on anyone: health problems, money, religion, ex-bosses or ex-partners, politics or life, and personal problems.
Try not to focus the conversation only on yourself and make sure you listen to the person you are talking to.
3. Making Distracting Noises
Any random sounds you make, such as tapping your feet, tapping your fingers, or cracking your knuckles, can be irritating and distracting to others.
Tapping can indicate nervousness, irritation, or impatience and can also suggest that you are lying or trying to irritate others.
While cracking your fingers can help relieve stress, it’s one of the most annoying sounds, according to research from The New York Times.
2. Frequently Checking Your Watch Or Cellphone
The average person checks their phone 110 times a day! However, it is very impolite to check your phone or look during a conversation.
It shows you are not interested in the other person, that you are bored, and that you have better things to do.
Research shows that even having the phone on the next table reduces the quality and engagement of a conversation.
1. Bad Outfit
Statistics say that 55% of the first impression is based on their appearance. Some studies show that your appearance, height, weight, hair color, and amount of makeup can influence the size of your salary.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, try to be conservative and neutral when choosing clothes, be polite, and don’t wear a lot of perfume.
Do you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions? Which of these points would ruin your opinion of a person with no hope of improvement?
What points should be added to this list? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments.
