William “Bud” Hart, of Haverhill, shares “Success Principles”—ideas for living a greater, better and more accomplished life, and building habits that stick. He also coaches clients to incorporate strategies for boosting their mental and physical performance during everyday living.
Remember the old adage, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression?” This is one of those tried and true statements that we think about when we meet a new customer, or family member, when we get ready for a first date, when we are networking for business opportunities and especially when we are preparing for a job interview.
I was speaking recently with a young job applicant who told me about a job interview she had come from earlier that day. She was well qualified and prepared for her meeting, but described the outcome as confusing. On the one hand she was prepared, answered all the questions and thought the meeting went well. On the other hand she said she felt uncomfortable with the interviewer who seemed to be curt and not particularly friendly.
No doubt interviewing and hiring people are a subjective process. The initial assessment (first impression) is quick, using cues like appearance and body language. It’s a type of unconscious thinking that author Malcolm Gladwell, describes as something that “moves a little bit quicker and acts slightly more mysterious than the deliberate decision-making style of thinking we’re more accustomed to.”
I have no idea what transpired in this person’s interview, but I know (from my own experience) getting a job, or a contract can come down to the first minute after you meet someone. It’s frustrating because as an interviewee, it’s out of your control. No matter how hard you try, once someone has passed initial judgment on you, there’s almost no way to change their mind. First impressions can make or break a career (sometimes for interviewer as well as interviewee).
“Be aware, the first few minutes with teachers and classmates will determine how they will see you. “Don’t expect to get an A and the respect of your peers as the year progresses unless you show everyone you deserve it from minute one.” My kids will tell you, I told them this each and every year when they were returning to school.
I also told them and it’s worth repeating—you never know when you will be making a first impression on someone in your career, or in your personal life. Even a quick run to the supermarket for some bread could result in meeting your next boss, a prospective client, a new friend, even your future significant other. Act like you know this, always be prepared to make a first impression!
Should first reactions matter, probably not as much as they do? As I told the young person I spoke with, don’t rely and judge your opportunities solely on your first thought. As hard as it may seem to recover from poor first impressions, sometimes, just sometimes, it’s worth being willing to question your initial assessment. Quite possibly you were wrong.
William “Bud” Hart is a certified “Mindset” Coach, Accountability Partner and Business Consultant. Founder of Hart Group, www.hartgroupma.com.