essay on first impression is the last impression

First Impression Significance Essay

The first meeting of two people makes up the most importance in their relationship. On the first encounter between two or more people, each undoubtedly asks unconsciously whether the other person will be fit for them in terms of the objective of their meeting. First impressions are an evolutionary trait of humans to adapt adequately and participate in society interactions.

Additionally, first impressions depend on the observer and the person observed. Most empirical research on first impression shows that persons are most attracted to other persons who show a tendency to accept them, as they would like to. This paper describes how first impressions are made and why they are important to the functioning of any society.

We make first impressions as a preliminary mode of adaptation to the other person and therefore the impressions made are in no way definitive. As we get to interact more with the other person, our preliminary impressions undergo a modification. However, this does not imply that we completely overhaul our initial impression of the other person; instead, our initial impressions make the basis of our further scrutiny and refinement of subsequent impressions.

An experiment by the American psychologist, Solomon Asch demonstrates the above point in practice. In the experiment, the psychologist drafted six qualities of an individual and then gave the qualities to two groups of students and asked them to describe the individual in their own words. Each group received a different order of the same six qualities of the individual.

The first group received the six qualities in the order of the most positive to the least positive while the second group received an opposite arrangement, from the least positive quality to the most positive quality.

The experiment’s result showed that the first group interpreted the negative qualities of the individual in the view of the individual’s positive qualities thus indicating that the group had formed a positive preliminary perception of the individual. Contrariwise the second group viewed the individual positive qualities as minor qualities of the individual’s overall negative personality.

This result indicates that the second group relied on the sequence of delivery of qualities to form their initial perception. From the results of the experiment, it is clear that an individual form the preliminary perception of another person based on what attribute of the other person shows up first.

The degree of accuracy of first impressions depends significantly on the observer and the observed person. First impressions determine how we handle the next step of getting to know the other person as the example of psychologist Solomon Asch has demonstrated. The experiment only highlights first impressions in a controlled environment, however, the reality governing first impressions is much complex.

Humans use first impressions as an evolutionary instinct of survival. According to psychology, it only takes three seconds for a person to form a first impression of another person. The brief exposure to the other person’s behavior and characteristics is enough for individuals to form an opinion whether further interaction with the other person will be of any benefit. As an evolutionary trait, the interpretation of the brief exposure to the other person’s behavior serves as a shield in interpersonal relationships in an unknown societal setting.

In medieval times, people used first impressions to gauge the other person or group’s chances of inflicting harm or being beneficial. In the modern world, survival is different. Survival is in terms of meeting our goals, fulfilling our desires, finishing tasks, accurately predicting the future and avoiding danger whether physical or psychological.

Although the perceiver may honestly create a first impression, the perceived individual may only be pretending. A person’s way of interpreting the brief exposure of behavior during first encounters with other persons determines how they proceed in their relation to the stranger.

On the other hand, individuals expect others to form a first impression of their behaviors and therefore go to great lengths in ensuring that only what they desire to demonstrate is actually captured by their perceiver. Therefore, individuals do not rely on first impressions only in their formation of an opinion of a stranger’s character.

Similarity of the encounter with previous encounters significantly affects how an individual will perceive another. Secondly, the similarities of the stranger’s observable characteristics with those characteristics that the perceiver is examining also contribute to the final perception. Due to this fact, individuals tend to look for what is common between them and use their value of the common factor to perceive the other person.

So if the stranger’s only similarity is a depiction of a characteristic that is very mild in the perceiver’s awareness, then the overall judgment formed is skeptical and subject to further scrutiny. However when the opposite is the case, an individual forms a favorable perception of the stranger and further scrutiny happens to support the already formed perception. This attribute of first impressions is in tandem with the findings of psychologist Solomon Asch as explained earlier in this paper.

Despite the high probability of individuals in getting their first impressions wrong, society goes to great lengths to develop mechanisms intended for creating first impressions. In work relations and careers, resumes and interviews exist to help employers to perceive their potential employees. However, the same avenues also allow potential employees to falsify their actual behavior and competency to create a similarity with that of the potential employer.

In the medical field, physicians and nurses rely on the initial description of a condition by their patients as well as the observable traits of their patients to deduce the kind of medication and care appropriate for the patient. In interpersonal relationships, persons use the setting of their first encounter, their stereotypic view of the behavior demonstrated by the stranger and their intention for meeting to form a perception.

The formation of first impressions is fundamental to people’s social perception and social cognition. The individual’s evolution of understanding others in a setting that lacks a constant social hierarchy is heavily dependent on this attribute. As a result, the creation of first impressions is a dynamic process that constantly incorporates previously learnt and experienced aspects of perceiving other people’s suitability for association.

As the society becomes more aware of the importance of first impressions, some individuals strive to ensure that their behaviors, as depicted to others, are a reflection of who they want to be instead of their actual self. On the other hand, new forms appear together with the refinement of stereotypes to ensure that first impressions are accurate. The result is a constant formulation of new strategies and mechanisms of creating first impressions to reduce the tendency of making inaccurate perceptions.

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Essay # First Impression Is The Last Impression

First impression is the last impression. Some people believe that if you give a good interview, chances are high that you may get selected for the job. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Write 250 words, give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

SAMPLE ANSWER ONE

In this ever-changing materialistic and demanding world, our attitude and behavior change as per the situation. The competitive age has forced everyone to make an everlasting first impression. Even though we may not agree to it, as a society we have become more judgemental and perceive our thoughts based solely on the person’s appearance. However, to say that the first impression is the last impression would be an exaggeration.With effort one can definitely change the wind in his or her favor.

For instance, when going for a job interview, the person conducting the interview has numerous candidates for a particular vacancy. During the interview, it is therefore important to be at the most presentable state. The appearance and body language should make one stand apart from other candidates. Numerous surveys have shown that people who take care of their looks and try to make a positive first impression are more successful in life. In professional life, a good first impression can open doors to many other possibilities. In the words of Andrew Grant “You never get a second chance to make the first Impression” so one should always try their best.

Overall, even though mistakes can be rectified, not everyone gets a second chance in life. Life is unpredictable and we should be at our best at the first instance as you may not be, you will have to work very hard till the next opportunity comes.

SAMPLE ANSWER TWO

We are in the age where the world is rapidly moving towards digitalization. Everything from clocks to books; cars to airplanes; relationships to businesses have become digital. We are not concern about the results anymore, all we are bothered is whether the result was on time or not. And this time, the “time” has changed from being analog to digital. Seconds, even milliseconds do matter.

Running in this maddening race, where time and chances are scarce, first impressions certainly matter. Even more, with the huge disparity between the number of jobs and the applicants, the competition has increased multifold, often resulting in a decision based on the first impression. For instance, a person taking the interview has got merely 20 or 30 minutes to decide whether to take you or leave you. So, it is quite obvious that the interviewer’s decision depends entirely on what you project in those minutes.

However, when a sphere of society changes it does not means that the shift is in the entire society. First impressions do matter, but they are usually looked upon in short term goals. For example-: Oprah Winfrey was rejected from a news channel stating she is unfit for television. She went on to become the most famous television personalities of all times. Her first impression was surely not the last.  One can surely consider Steve Jobs, who was famously thrown away from his own company only to go back and build it better!

To sum up, first impressions matter but the quicker the impression formed, the shorter it is lived. So, even if your first impression turns out to be a disaster, it can always be changed if you are determined to do so.

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11 comments

Its true…

Yes, almost true. Thanks Sakshi.

Do u really think that 1st impression is the last …

It is not my thinking. It is data prove that first impression make impact.

Hii! According to me this is really true ???? . The first impression is the last impression. The first impression matters that what you have experienced in your life. So it’s true according to me.

You are right.

Yes I,m totally agree on your this statement i,e 1st impression is a last impression because it depends on situation according to your behaviour .person may change his/her behaviour

We are living in the era of great comptetion and demand . now more and more people are getting heigher education as compared to past. But job opportunities are limited so everyone try their best to get job and companies are also searching for good comptetive employes . I pagree with the above given statement that performing good is important to get good job but other factors like skills education are also important. Thousands of people send their resumes for job in a company and company only call selected candidates according to their requirement. Now for single post many candidates are present with same qualification and skills . in interview they need to perfrom their best inorder to get that job.the moment when u entered the room all eyes are on you interview panel notice everything from time you enter till time you leave the room. Now interview panel also have a psychologist that observe body language of person. They notice how you respond to various questions, eye contact etc. in short time candidate have to convince interviewvee that he is the best person for this job. I personally experienced difficulty in getting job initially due to less confidence although I have good academic record but in short period of judgement I was not successful to convince them that I am eligible for this job. But that is not true in every case job skills and experience are more important factors. There are lot of graduates in Pakistan with good professional degrees but they cannot perfrom in practical field. Companies reuired creative employes to survive. In film pursuit of happiness in interview section the lead hero was not dressed properly. But he convinced the panel thatin their call company he can prform very well and get that jobs so we cannot overlook importance of skills as well I conclude my essay with the view that in short time candidate have to impress and convince panel that He has those qualities that company demand from him. So combination of knowledge and

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Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression?

In a winning essay for our 2019 Personal Narrative Contest, a teenager writes about wanting to make the right impression on her first day in a new school. Do first impressions matter, or are they overrated?

By Jeremy Engle

Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.

This special Student Opinion question features one of the winning essays from our 2019 Personal Narrative Writing Contest. You can read all of the 2019 winning essays here , and learn more about participating in this year’s contest, open now until Nov. 17, 2020, here .

Have you ever fretted and agonized over a first encounter?

What did you do to make a good impression? Did you practice witty lines in your head? Did you ransack your closets looking for the perfect outfit?

Have you ever truly bungled a first impression? Or, surprised yourself and won over the crowd despite your great apprehension?

What can you learn about yourself from these first encounters?

In “ First Impressions ,” a winning essay from our 2019 Personal Narrative Contest for students, Isabel Hui writes about a time when she hoped to make a good impression — and what she learned about herself from it. Her narrative reads:

When I woke up on August 4, 2016, there was only one thing on my mind: what to wear. A billion thoughts raced through my brain as wooden hangers shuffled back and forth in the cramped hotel closet. I didn’t want to come off as a try-hard, but I also didn’t want to be seen as a slob. Not only was it my first day of high school, but it was my first day of school in a new state; first impressions are everything, and it was imperative for me to impress the people who I would spend the next four years with. For the first time in my life, I thought about how convenient it would be to wear the horrendous matching plaid skirts that private schools enforce. It wasn’t insecurity driving me to madness; I was actually quite confident for a teenage girl. It was the fact that this was my third time being the new kid. Moving so many times does something to a child’s development … I struggled finding friends that I could trust would be there for me if I picked up and left again. But this time was different because my dad’s company ensured that I would start and finish high school in the same place. This meant no instant do-overs when I pick up and leave again. This time mattered, and that made me nervous. After meticulously raiding my closet, I emerged proudly in a patterned dress from Target. The soft cotton was comfortable, and the ruffle shoulders added a hint of fun. Yes, this outfit was the one. An hour later, I felt just as powerful as I stepped off the bus and headed toward room 1136. But as I turned the corner into my first class, my jaw dropped to the floor. Sitting at her desk was Mrs. Hutfilz, my English teacher, sporting the exact same dress as I. I kept my head down and tiptoed to my seat, but the first day meant introductions in front of the whole class, and soon enough it was my turn. I made it through my minute speech unscathed, until Mrs. Hutfilz stood up, jokingly adding that she liked my style. Although this was the moment I had been dreading from the moment I walked in, all the anxiety that had accumulated throughout the morning surprisingly melted away; the students who had previously been staring at their phones raised their heads to pay attention as I shared my story. My smile grew as I giggled with my peers, ending my speech with “and I am very stylish, much like my first period teacher.” After class, I stayed behind and talked to Mrs. Hutfilz, sharing my previous apprehension about coming into a new school and state. I was relieved to make a humorous and genuine connection with my first teacher, one that would continue for the remainder of the year. This incident reminded me that it’s only high school; these are the times to have fun, work hard, and make memories, not stress about the trivial details. Looking back four years later, the ten minutes I spent dreading my speech were really not worth it. While my first period of high school may not have gone exactly the way I thought it would, it certainly made the day unforgettable in the best way, and taught me that Mrs. Hutfilz has an awesome sense of style!

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

When have you made a good or bad first impression? Tell us what happened: Who did you meet, and what were the circumstances — was it a job interview, the first day of school or perhaps a chance encounter on the street? What thoughts were going through your head at the time? What made the impression a positive one or not?

Do you agree with the saying, “You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Have you ever recovered from a bad first impression you made or changed your initial thoughts about someone else?

Do you connect with anything in Isabel’s story? Have you ever fretted and agonized over an anticipated encounter or event? Which moments in the essay did you find most surprising, powerful or moving? Why?

At the end of the essay, Isabel reflects on her experience and gives the reader a take-away: “This incident reminded me that it’s only high school; these are the times to have fun, work hard, and make memories, not stress about the trivial details.” What do you think of that advice? Is there a moment in your life that changed the way you think or look at the world?

Isabel uses many vivid details to capture her feelings of fear and apprehension such as “meticulously raiding my closet,” and “I kept my head down and tiptoed to my seat.” Which “writer’s moves” that Isabel used in her narrative do you admire most? Choose one and share why you thought it was effective. How did it draw you into the story and help you to identify with the author’s situation?

Students, if Isabel’s story inspired you, consider turning what you wrote into your own personal narrative and submit it to our contest , now through Nov. 17, 2020.

About Student Opinion

• Find all our Student Opinion questions in this column . • Have an idea for a Student Opinion question? Tell us about it . • Learn more about how to use our free daily writing prompts for remote learning .

Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Jeremy Engle joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2018 after spending more than 20 years as a classroom humanities and documentary-making teacher, professional developer and curriculum designer working with students and teachers across the country. More about Jeremy Engle

The First Impression Is The Last Impression

Have you ever wondered why people wear suits or smart formal clothes when they go for a business meeting or…

Have you ever wondered why people wear suits or smart formal clothes when they go for a business meeting or a job interview?

The reason is simple: the first impression is the best impression that one should make. Some even say the first impression is the last impression.

Nobody wants to miss out on making a great opening impression as that can often be the decisive factor in determining whether there will be a second meeting or not.

Why first impressions are important

Let’s look at an example. Rajiv was talented and highly qualified. Yet he failed to get employed even after appearing for dozens of interviews. He discussed his problem with his friend, Suresh, who made him understand that his problem was not about skills or knowledge, but his failure to make a good impression.

If the first impression is not good, it can be a deal-breaker. A positive first impression, on the other hand, can help forge long-term professional associations.

When you meet people professionally, you are usually judged on the basis of how you behave, what you wear, how you communicate, your body language, and self-projection.

How to create a good first impression

The first impression is critical. No matter how many times you meet people, they usually always associate you with the first impression you made on them.

The reason behind this phenomenon is that the first impression sets the ball rolling, and every subsequent meeting or impression is most likely an extension of that. That’s why you should consider that the first impression is the last impression and prepare accordingly.

Let’s take a look at five things that you must focus on to create a good impression:

Know what you will be talking about

When you go to meet a potential client, a service provider, or an employer, you must be well-prepared.

Being overconfident and walking into a meeting room without any planning is likely to end poorly. Review your points, gather your facts and acquaint yourself about the person and the company you are going to meet. If you know precisely what to do, it will be easier to make a good impression.

You should also be prepared for any off-the-cuff points that might come up during the course of the discussion.

Make your body speak the right language

You should not appear hassled, tired, or disinterested at any point during the meeting. At the same time, you need to guard against over-confidence or arrogance.

Slouching in your seat, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting with objects, drooping shoulders are some of the signs that indicate you are disinterested or not focused enough. Remember that the first impression is the last impression and it needs to be a good impression.

Walk in confidently with your head held high. Be polite yet clearly audible. Maintain a positive outlook and smile. High-ranking executives, coaches, celebrities, and political leaders often practice for public appearances. Earlier, people rehearsed in front of mirrors. Today, you have video cameras.

Ensure engagement

While you must come across as a smart and knowledgeable person, your knowledge base is not the only thing that will make a great first impression. Remember that it is important to ensure that the first impression is the best impression and that will be possible if you cover all the bases.

While you prepare for a meeting or interview, do a little research about the person and the company that you are going to meet. Check their social media profiles, blogs, or any other news or information related to them that is available online. This can prove to be highly beneficial in ensuring that your first impression is the best impression on the people you meet.

Dress to impress

What you wear can be as important as what you speak at a business meeting. Wear formal clothes that are spotlessly clean and crispy looking. The colors you wear should not be too strong or dominating.

You should also avoid wearing anything flashy, revealing, or casual. While business suits are usually a safe bet, you can also choose your clothes and accessories according to the climate and culture of the location.

In short, you should dress up as someone confident, comfortable, and smart.

Drive the conversation to your strengths

The first impression is the last impression and you should do everything that you can to ensure that your first impression is the best impression you make.

Hence, try and keep the discussion centered around your strengths and achievements. Talk about the time when you cracked a major deal for the company or received a special citation from a client.

First impressions are important. In fact, they have so much impact that people say that the first impression is the last impression. Harappa Education understands the criticality of the first impression. The Building Presence course will help you understand how to help you make a great first impression. It goes without saying that focusing on ensuring the first impression is the best impression will help you score high and further your career or business growth.

Explore topics such as Resilience , How to Know Yourself , How to Handle Pressure at Work , Self Awareness , Self Management , and the  Meaning of Charisma from our Harappa Diaries blog section and take charge of your growth.

Several Reasons Why First Impressions Aren’t Always Reliable

In real life, the ‘cover’ of people, what they wear, how they look, and their behavior can often misrepresent what they really are. Like the cover of a book, first impressions are not always right, it can be inaccurate, and not as true as what it really is. It is true that everyone often makes a wrong judgment on first impressions, people who are of a different nationality, race, and ethnicity, they can skew and invalidate first impression because they have different ways in how they meet someone new.

In addition, every race and ethnicity has their own type of body language, and the way they speak in daily life because people from different cultures may not share a similar understanding in their communication regarding the same symbols. People often consider their snap judgments as fact without getting to know someone who they have met better and deeply first. They make snap judgments continually throughout the day. They read expressions, check out body posture, watch gestures, assess clothing, and make a judgment right away & instantly. Snap judgment is not everything.

Furthermore, we, oftentimes, are lazy to make fair assessment to someone’s character. When we get more options to judge someone’s character, we tend to become more superficial about it. Without realizing it, we automatically have already made a wrong judgment because we just depend on first impressions rather than getting to know them first. We’re too lazy to find a way to make fair assessment to someone’s character. Eventually, it leads us to realize that it’s so hard to confront our flawed judgments so we usually just stuck in our snap judgments. Think about this: We often get a bad feeling about someone and then we never genuinely try to prove our hunch wrong or right. That’s a lot of hard work that most of us are frankly not willing to do. We never even think about proving our intuition wrong. 

Basically, time limits our ability to get to know someone at his/her core. Sure, we can get either a positive or negative vibe about a person when the first time we meet him/her. But, it can’t be our excuse to judge their personality just based on our quick meeting. Because, time limits our ability to get to know someone beyond a superficial level. Our present emotional state also can impact the way we act. And plus, a quick meeting with a short time undoubtedly limits our ability to get to know someone so that no wonder we can end up judging someone just based on their impressions.

Additionally, people aren’t easy to figure out. There are layers behind a persona and sometimes, in order to peel those layers back, time is an essential factor to do so. A 10 seconds meeting can’t help us to make a correct judgment about someone’s core. In the end, people can’t make a quick fair judgment on someone’s impressions. We surely can’t make a correct judgment in a short timeframe. So, that’s why we all have friends that, at first glance, we didn’t like very much but after we got to know each other better, then we started saying that apparently they’re good friends. See? Just be mindful towards people.

In sum, first impressions aren’t always accurate. Based off of first impressions and looking back on some people you’ve met, how often do you perceive the person you know now in a completely different light than the way you did when you initially met him or her? That picture you painted of this person in your mind may not have been spot on. That’s why we should walk in someone else’s shoes first before we make our own assessment. Do yourself a favor next time and don’t let your first impression be the final judgment call. 

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Essay Samples on First Impression

Importance of good first impression.

Just like every other person in this world, I have heard the cliché: “It’s the first impression that matters” numerous times by my mother. As much as I do not want to, I have to admit that it is most certainly true. I strongly believe...

• First Impression
• Positive Psychology

First Impression as a Superficial Reflection of a Person

My mum once told me that “A First Impression Says Everything”. And I believe that we’ve ever heard that we can never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Therefore, everything counts in the first impression. Now, let us discuss about the...

• Human Behavior

The Extreme Importance of First Impression

We’ve all been on the receiving end of adages like ‘your first impression is the last impression.’ As unfair as it might sound, the first impressions are exceedingly accurate and people tend to register the first impressions within a tenth of the second. Subsequently, the...

• Human Brain

Research and Survey Report on the Influence of Appereance in First Impressions

Abstract In the modelling industry, various factors influence first impressions of models and actors that gives us positive and negative impressions. Aisch (1946), “A trait is realised in its particular quality. The next trait is similarly realised. Each trait produces its particular impression. The total...

The Journey Of Bringing Home A Wife

“She stepped down from the carretela of Ca Celin with a quick, delicate grace. She was lovely. She was tall. She looked up to my brother with a smile, and her forehead was on a level with his mouth. ” The presence of the words,...

• Modern Society

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How to Make a Great First Impression

• Rebecca Knight

Prepare talking points ahead of time.

The saying “You only have one chance to make a first impression” holds true in many situations, from job interviews to sales calls. How can you make sure that you start off on the right foot in any of these scenarios? What should you actually say? And what’s the best way to follow up?

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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Why a first impression really is the last impression

A new study has found out why first impressions are long lasting.

The research by a team of psychologists from Canada,Belgium,and the United States shows there is more than a literal truth to the saying that ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’.

Their results indicate that new experiences that contradict a first impression become ‘bound’ to the context in which they were made,so the new experiences influence people’s reactions only in that particular context,whereas first impressions still dominate in other contexts.

“Imagine you have a new colleague at work and your impression of that person is not very favourable. A few weeks later,you meet your colleague at a party and you realize he is actually a very nice guy,” said Bertram Gawronski,Canada Research Chair at The University of Western Ontario.

“Although you know your first impression was wrong,your gut response to your new colleague will be influenced by your new experience only in contexts that are similar to the party. However,your first impression will still dominate in all other contexts.”

Gawronski and his collaborators showed their study participants either positive or negative information about an unknown individual on a computer screen.

Later,the participants were presented with new information about the same individual,which was inconsistent with the initial information.

They found the new information influenced participants’ reactions only when the person was presented against the background in which the new information had been learned.

“What is necessary is for the first impression to be challenged in multiple different contexts. In that case,new experiences become decontextualized and the first impression will slowly lose its power. But,as long as a first impression is challenged only within the same context,you can do whatever you want. The first impression will dominate regardless of how often it is contradicted by new experiences,” said Gawronski.

He concluded,“If someone with phobic reactions to spiders is seeking help from a psychologist,the therapy will be much more successful if it occurs in multiple different contexts rather than just in the psychologist’s office.”

The research is published in the latest issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

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First Impressions: Everything You Need to Make a Good Introduction

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Jordi Salas/Moment/Getty

How to Make a Good First Impression

• Signs of a Good Impression
• Why It Matters
• Overcoming a Bad Impression

First impressions are the initial opinions that people form the first time they meet another person. Such judgments occur very quickly and are based on the immediate, limited information that is available.

The first impressions people form are often based on immediate observations about characteristics, such as how others look, how they act, what they say, and their general attitude. However, people also bring their own past experiences, expectations, biases , and misapprehensions to the situations when forming impressions.

While first impressions play an important role in how people feel about others, how they treat them, and the future development of the relationship, such perceptions can be biased and inaccurate.

Because first impressions can be wrong, it is important to remember that you should look at other information beyond your initial perceptions when you are making judgments about other people.

This article discusses what you can do to make a good first impression and how to gauge whether or not you have succeeded. It also offers tips for what you can do to help overcome a bad first impression.

Making a good first impression is important, particularly in certain situations. If you are trying to make a good impression on other people, there are some strategies that can help.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

Nonverbal signals can convey a great deal of information, so it is important to make sure that your body language reinforces the impression you are trying to make.

Maintain an open posture and make sure you keep your body angled toward the other person. Sit or stand straight and keep your arms at your sides and your legs straight. Crossing your arms or legs can seem closed off or even defensive.

Watch Your Expressions

In addition to using good body language, be sure to watch how you are responding with your facial expressions. Smiling , for example, can help convey warmth and genuine interest.  

If you are feeling tense, such as during a job interview or while speaking in public, try to maintain a relaxed expression. Researchers have found that people perceive people with happy expressions as more trustworthy.

Dress Appropriately

Appearance, including how you dress, can help convey information about who you are to others. If you are dressed correctly for the occasion, it may help people form a good impression of you.

This doesn't mean that you can't express yourself through your appearance, but it is important to consider how you want to be perceived. Choose clothing that looks neat, is suited to the occasion, and helps you feel comfortable and confident when meeting new people.

Different situations have different expectations. A job interview would necessitate a more formal, professional appearance, whereas meeting a new friend for coffee would involve more casual dress.

Consider Your Words

When speaking to others, focus on using language that is polite, respectful, and non-judgmental. While there are certain opinions or subjects you might feel comfortable discussing with people who already know you well, it is best to try to be considerate of other people's feelings and backgrounds when you are first introduced.

Knowing how to make small talk can be helpful. Neutral topics such as the weather, hobbies, sports, travel, and food can be great icebreakers. Just be sure to avoid critical or controversial opinions, such as trash-talking the other person's favorite sports team.

Instead, try asking open-ended questions about the other person, such as what they are reading or what they enjoy doing in their free time. It can be a great way to convey genuine interest and help the other person form the impression that you are attentive and genuine.

Show Interest in Others

When you are speaking to someone new, practice active listening. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say and make sure that you are listening to their responses.

Focus on the other person is also a great strategy if you are feeling anxious about meeting new people. By concentrating on the other person, you're less likely to focus on your own nervousness.

If you are nervous on a first date, for example, focus on the other person. Express interest in what they have to say and ask questions in a way that feels natural (and not like an interrogation or job interview).

How to Know If You’ve Made a Good First Impression

It isn't always easy or even possible to tell if you've made a good first impression on others. However, there are clues that you can watch for that might provide a bit of insight into what the other person is thinking and feeling:

• Positive feedback : In some cases, people might offer direct feedback about how they are feeling about your meeting. A job interviewer, for example, might tell a job candidate that they are exactly right for the role or indicate that they are impressed by the interviewee's credentials.
• Positive nonverbal signals : Body language that conveys warmth, comfort, and interest is always a good sign. If your conversation partner seems like they enjoy talking to you, it is a good sign that they are forming a positive first impression.
• Further interest : If the other person follows up and contacts you again after your initial meeting, you probably made a good first impression. For example, if you give a potential romantic partner your phone number and they follow up with a text or phone call, it means they were impressed enough to express interest in meeting again.
• Interest in socializing : If you've made a good first impression, the other person might reach out about getting together again. Or they might invite you to participate in some type of activity, such as another date or a potential work project.

Why First Impressions Are Important

People are evolutionarily wired to make snap judgments and quick decisions about others. These initial impressions may be based on very limited information, but they can affect how people see each other, set the tone for future interactions, and leave a lasting mark on how people view one another.

Initial Impressions Affect Other Assumptions

A phenomenon known as the halo effect can also impact people's impressions. If they perceive certain good qualities about you (like that you are nice, professional, and quick-witted), they are more likely to attribute other good qualities to you as well.

First Impressions Affect Future Interactions

Such impressions can have a significant impact in many ways. In the workplace, first impressions can play a role in employment opportunities, leadership roles, collaborations with others, and future advancement. 

In social situations, how well others think of you based on their first assessment might determine the rapport they feel and whether they end up trusting or liking you.

Such impressions can also impact your love life. You might express interest in a potential partner, only to be rebuffed if you leave a poor first impression. 

The ability to accurately recognize other people's emotions is essential for effective social interaction, but some research suggests that poor first impressions can negatively affect the ability to read emotions based on facial expressions.

First Impressions Are Long-Lasting

As the famous saying goes, you never have a second chance to make a first impression, and, for better or worse, those first impressions tend to stick. This is because of a phenomenon known as the primacy effect . Essentially, people tend to have a better memory for the initial information they learned than they do for subsequent information that follows.

When a person thinks about you, those first impressions are more likely to spring to mind over other details they may have learned, all thanks to the primacy effect.

Researchers found that first impressions made based on briefly looking at a photograph of a stranger affected judgments when participants met the same stranger face-to-face a month later.

How to Overcome a Bad First Impression

First impressions are important, but everyone has an off day or makes mistakes in social situations. While it might be more of a challenge to change how you are perceived, there are things you can do to overcome a bad first impression.

If your first meeting was marred by some type of mistake, reach out and apologize . Showing that you are aware of your gaffe and willing to take steps to overcome it can help improve the impression the other person has of you.

Explain What Happened

You don’t want to make excuses, but it can be helpful to provide an honest explanation for why your first meeting went poorly. You might explain that you were nervous, that you weren’t feeling well, that you were distracted, or that you were feeling stressed about something unrelated. No matter the cause, an honest explanation may help the other person better empathize with your situation.

Suggest Another Meeting

If you won’t see them in another setting, ask if you can have another opportunity to let them get to see the real you. However, be willing to respect the other person’s request if they decline your offer.

For example, don't continue pursuing a potential romantic partner after they have told you they are not interested. Don't take it personally; instead, see it as a learning opportunity and try to apply those lessons when you meet someone new.

Let Them See the Real You

If you do get another opportunity to overcome a poor initial impression, make sure you are authentic and consistent in your future interactions. Let the other person see the “real you” in terms of context and situation.

If it’s a second date, let them see the qualities that make you a great romantic partner, such as warmth, kindness, humor, and attentiveness.

In a workplace setting, focus on showing your skills and professionalism. Demonstrating initiative, productivity, and good work habits are just a few ways to help overcome a poor first impression at work.

Poor first impressions happen for a variety of reasons, but there are things you can do to overcome them. Apologizing, offering an explanation, asking for another chance, and showing your best qualities can help others form a more accurate view of who you are and what you have to offer.

A Word From Verywell

Think of first impressions as a building block for relationships—they play a major part in setting the tone for future interactions. Making a good first impression is a great start, but there are also reasons why those initial interactions might be less-than-stellar. Stress, situational factors, and even the other person’s expectations can affect how they see you.

A poor first impression can sink your chances professionally, socially, and romantically, so it is worth it to examine how others react to you in these settings.

Tsankova E, Tair E. Meta-accuracy of very first impressions: A mini review . Front Psychol . 2021;12:736534. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736534

Wood TJ. Exploring the role of first impressions in rater-based assessments . Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract . 2014;19(3):409-427. doi:10.1007/s10459-013-9453-9

Thierry SM, Twele AC, Mondloch CJ. Mandatory first impressions: happy expressions increase trustworthiness ratings of subsequent neutral images . Perception . 2021;50(2):103-115. doi:10.1177/0301006620987205

Colonnello V, Russo PM, Mattarozzi K. First impression misleads emotion recognition . Front Psychol . 2019;10:527. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00527

Gunaydin G, Selcuk E, Zayas V. Impressions based on a portrait predict, 1-month later, impressions following a live interaction . Social Psychological and Personality Science . 2017;8(1):36-44.doi:10.1177/1948550616662123

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

First Impressions

First Impression

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

Human beings are built to size each other up quickly. These first impressions are influenced by a number of factors, such as facial shape, vocal inflection, attractiveness , and general emotional state. People tend to get attached to their initial impressions of others and find it very difficult to change their opinion, even when presented with lots of evidence to the contrary.

As a result, it’s important to be aware of how one comes across to others during a first meeting. Then one can employ impression management skills—modulating any irritating traits and accentuating one's strengths—to ensure that people have a more favorable opinion of one. Everything from clothing style and posture to conversational topics can be adjusted to form a better first impression.

• Making a Good First Impression
• Understanding How Others See You

It takes a mere seven seconds to make a first impression. People thin-slice others based on how a person looks and sounds, more so than their explicit verbal statements. Often, someone's first impression is influenced by implicit attitudes of which they are unaware, which explains impulsive actions like giving special preference to those with physical beauty or more easily trusting a person who has a babyface. The observational powers (biases) of the observer are just as important as the qualities projected by the target, or person being judged, making these judgments a constant dance between objective information and selective signal-reading.

People will quickly judge others’ trustworthiness, physical strength, and intentions to do harm based on subtle facial and vocal cues. These traits may differ slightly across cultures; for example, some studies have found that Chinese societies form first impressions based on competence (i.e., perceptions of intelligence and social status) rather than on physical strength.

People tend to be self-critical after an initial conversation and wrongly assume they’ve made a bad first impression; experts call this tendency to underestimate one’s likeability the “liking gap.” People may also be fooled by the “spotlight effect,” which leads them to believe that others are hyper-focused on them, judging them for every imperfection, awkward question, or bad joke.

Using impression-management skills, you can modify the way you present yourself to influence other people’s perceptions of you. Pay attention to how you speak (whether you’re animated, express emotion , etc.), your facial expressions, your use of gestures, and your posture. Hone your storytelling skills, and show a genuine interest in what others have to say.

The term metaperception refers to how an individual interprets other people’s perceptions of them. Thinking highly of oneself is beneficial; those who believe they are viewed positively by others tend to have higher self-esteem . Most people's metaperceptions tend to be fairly accurate since individuals generally have a stable self-concept that governs how they act around others. For example, if we believe that we’re friendly and likable, we will be more likely to act, or continue to act, in a friendly manner toward strangers.

It can be off-putting when someone comes on too strong at first. Common mistakes include trying to reveal too much about yourself too soon, dominating the conversation, or placing unreasonable demands on other people you don’t know well. When it comes to first impressions, it’s best when the way you believe you are presenting yourself matches how others perceive you.

Metaperception has been widely studied within the realm of narcissism . Narcissists tend to view themselves as confident, agreeable, and friendly. Their high self-esteem may make them seem charming and attractive initially, although this first impression quickly sours . In time, people typically see through to how self-involved and smug narcissists truly are.

While it’s important to use attractive and appropriate photos on social media and online dating sites, we often judge strangers by what they write. Grammar and spelling errors in an online profile can make someone seem inattentive or less intelligent —and therefore less attractive.

Paying attention to these key things when getting to know someone new can help you make an informed decision about whether you want to pursue the relationship.

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