A Matchmaker’s Advice on How to Make a Great First Impression at Work

While trying to get hired, moving up the organization, or impressing clients, first impressions really become the last ones. However, many people who apparently make a great first impression on a date, meeting or party complain about being ‘ghosted’.

The devil is in the details here, as there are many small cues, the little things that create a lasting impression or make the other person create a negative impression of someone.

First impressions are now increasingly the Google/Facebook/Instagram search results. Our Linkedin profile, for instance, is a place hundreds of would-be recruiters make snap judgements, even before meeting us.

Their own preset notions and expectations cloud their decision, and our online profiles become the place where we have to be extremely careful.

1. In your LinkedIn profile, add a slightly humorous line that makes you less of a larger-than-life person and more of a vulnerable human being.
2. Your Profile Picture matters a lot, so you can conduct a test among your colleagues and acquaintances, giving them a few choices and asking for feedback.

A mundane, I’m Fine, Thank you! Isn’t going to be a great thing to say on a date, as it sounds superficial, artificial and robotic. A deep, interesting person will add something natural and creative to any conversation.

One can also start with a deeper question to form a real connection, like instead of asking the standard “How are you?”, one can say, “How are you, really?”

Typical, standard interactions put anyone to sleep. It is good to be a ‘purple cow’, and stand out from the crowd. Even while being interviewed virtually, you can say something polite that stands out from the rest of the crowd saying the same old things.

While talking to colleagues, insert a fun joke in meeting invites, or have a little contest with a small prize. Just don’t be boring!

• A great first impression isn’t made by saying stuff, or by stating facts, or by answering each question impeccably. It is made by how you make the other person feel.
• If you are interested in what they say and listen actively, they will start to form a connection, as they will feel good talking to you, even though they are doing most of the talking.
• One can be genuinely interested and can ask an open-ended question, but don’t start to interrogate or start to brag.

Most of us know that we should not frown or keep our arms crossed on a first date (or pick our nose, for that matter), but there are other things that help in non-verbal communication on a Zoom call:

1. Lean forward by placing your elbow on your desk, showing that you are interested.
2. Instead of looking at the screen, you can make eye-contact virtually by looking at the camera on your laptop.
3. If looking at the camera is not intuitive, then you can stick a picture of someone who you are fond of, above the camera, and look into the eyes of that photograph.