An oft repeated catch phrase is that, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
While the phrase is factually true, it tends to leave one with the idea that a bad first impression can’t be overcome. That part is not true.
While nobody could argue that a good first impression is the best starting point for what comes afterward, it’s important to not regard a first impression as being anything more than what it is. A first impression gets you through the door – but it is up to you to justify and sustain it. Whether we are speaking of a job or a relationship, a first impression gets old if it is not backed by substance.
The opposite is also true. Sometimes we fail to make a good first impression because of any of a variety of reasons – nervousness, feelings of intimidation, under- or over-dressing for the occasion, talking too much or too little, not being sufficiently prepared. If truth be told, sometimes our first impression may also be diminished by the fact that someone else made a better one.
The critical thing is to recognize that, in most instances, a less than favorable first impression is not a catastrophe, but it does mean that you have to work at overcoming it.
If it is a job interview, counteract the first impression by following it up with a letter or proposal that blows the interviewer away. If you already have the job but aren’t regarded too highly because of your first impression, overcome it by working harder and more creatively than the next person. And you can generally overcome an unfavorable first impression in a social or relationship situation by relaxing and projecting the real you in subsequent contacts.
Remember that a good first impression can make things easier for you, but it’s insufficient to be able to ride on it long-term. You can overcome a less than favorable first impression by revisiting your strengths and the things that make you likable – and make certain to project those in future contacts.
If you don’t give up on yourself because of an unsatisfactory first impression, you may be surprised to see how many others won’t give up on you either.