Meeting someone for the first time is quite challenging and we are here to help you with the task. Find out how important first impressions are in business.

You might be wondering why first impressions are so decisive in the first place. Well, there is scientific proof that a person can develop an opinion about you even before you open your mouth and only by looking at your appearance.

They can make up their mind in a millisecond and decide whether you are trustworthy, powerful, smart, adventurous, dominant or even datable. We know this doesn’t sound nice or fair, to be honest. But it is what it is, and we need to learn how to live with that and use it to our advantage.

Following, you will find everything about first impressions in the work environment and how you can make the best out of it.

Make sure to look sharp

Just like if you were going out on a date, dressing the right way is also important in business matters. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to put on a suit and grab your brown leather briefcase, as not all work environments require such formality, especially nowadays.

But you need to choose an appropriate outfit and look well groomed from head to toes. Think about it this way: your clothes might look on point, but if your beard hairs are sticking out and you haven’t clipped your nails, then any good impression will instantly go bad. That reflects the importance of first impressions in business.

You need to pay attention to all details because these will make the difference. Having said that, this is our ultimate guide to nail care for men.

On that account, make sure to follow a complete grooming routine. Style your hair, get a clean shaved, moisturize your skin (especially your hands and face), use deodorant and perfume to finish it up. And don’t forget to check on your breath!

When choosing an outfit, make sure to find one that matches your style and the business environment. You want to make a good impression, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your comfort and personality. Quite the opposite. If you are in doubt and you are afraid of looking either overdressed or underdressed, then a smart casual dress code can help you with that.

Prepare in advance

It is absolutely normal to get a little nervous during a job interview, for example, but you shouldn’t let that blow up the opportunity. The best way to calm your nerves is to practice in advance, whether it is in front of a mirror or with a friend.

You don’t have to rehearse every single phrase because that will just look fake, but it is a good practice to prepare for the situation and not get overwhelmed when the moment comes.

Moreover, preparing in advance also means you need to do your research. Whether you are meeting a potential client or attending a job interview, it is crucial that you know what you are talking about. Understand what they are looking for, what you can bring to the company, what are their mission and goals for the future. Get ready to answer their questions, as well as bring your own comments to the table too.

On a similar note, if you are applying for a new job, you should never forget that they are not just interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them. Therefore, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them questions about the company as well.

On the contrary, this is actually a way to show them how much you are interested in joining their team and why. Plus, it is perfectly normal to have questions or doubts before joining a whole new work environment.

Be authentic

The work environment can be very competitive and we are all looking for a way to stand out. And the best way to do so is being yourself. It may sound like a total cliché, we know, but it is the honest truth.

We live in a society where normally everyone wants to fit in, so the best way for you to get noticed 一especially in business一 is to be authentic. In fact, you don’t have to compromise your values, opinions or desires to blend in. You should always speak honestly and with respect.

Try to keep in mind that the person in front of you only needs a fraction of a second to make up their mind. So, the last thing you want to do is to pretend to be someone you are not. That is how important first impressions are in business.

Attitude is everything

Confidence is everything when trying to make a good first impression in business. And you can show that from the way you dress, but also from the way you speak and act.

For example, not sitting properly, biting your nails or always looking down are not signs of a confident man. In fact, it might look like you are either uninterested or unsure. Therefore, always make eye contact during conversation, whether they are speaking or you are.

As well, take your time to respond and relax. No potential client or recruiter would like to be rushed. Taking your time is also a sign of assertiveness. In fact, being firm and patient while you speak shows that you know what you are talking about and you are comfortable about it too.

And by all means, never interrupt the other person while they are talking. Even if it is a casual environment, it doesn’t mean you can forget about your good manners.

Finally, business is a serious matter, but that doesn’t mean you have to look serious all the time. You want to connect with the other person and create a friendly environment. Basically, you want them to like you and a simple gesture like smiling can help you a lot with that.

On a similar note, this is why you should take care of your personal image.