How fast is a first impression made? According to scientists, a person starts to form impressions of a person after seeing their face for less than one-tenth of a second. In that time, we decide whether or not the person is attractive, trustworthy, competent, extroverted, or dominant.

New research found that these ingrained beliefs systematically affect people’s equity preferences, making it possible to predict how they will treat members of different social groups. People carry around biases—subconscious or otherwise—about social groups and often treat members of different groups differently.

There are many types of first impressions….Descriptive Words for a Positive First Impression.

First impressions are based on a wide range of characteristics: age, race, culture, language, gender, physical appearance, accent, posture, voice, number of people present, economic status, and time allowed to process.

People develop first impressions of you even before you open your mouth. Research suggests that your appearance affects how trustworthy, promiscuous, and powerful people think you are. You can change some people’s first impressions of you by changing your behavior and how you present yourself.

Impressions that stick Research in social psychology would seem to agree that, in fact, it is difficult to fully “undo” a false first impression.

First impressions matter. In sales, a positive first impression can determine whether a customer decides to buy from you or a competitor. A negative one can cost you both money and the opportunity to establish a relationship with a new customer.

55 percent of first impressions are made by what we see (visual). 38 percent is the way we hear your first words (vocal). 7 percent are the actual words you say (verbal).

Subsequent psychological research confirms that information received first tends to overshadow information received later, and that first impressions have a lasting effect on perceptions and future behavior (Anderson, 1981). …

How to Create a Good First Impression

1. Be on Time. Someone you are meeting for the first time will not be interested in your “good excuse” for running late.
2. Present Yourself Appropriately.
3. Be Yourself.
4. Have a Winning Smile!
5. Be Open and Confident.
6. Use Small Talk.
7. Be Positive.
8. Be Courteous and Attentive.

Suitability demonstrated. It is important to remember that while first impressions are very important, they do not overpower job experience and knowledge in an interview. By ensuring you make a positive first impression, you leave the rest of the time available to display your ability and skills.

How to Impress an Interviewer

1. “Tell me about yourself.” Don’t describe yourself.
2. “What are your strengths?” Don’t give your opinion.
3. “Tell me about a time when…” You should answer virtually every behavioral interview question like this in the same format.

8 Signs You Nailed Your Interview

• Your Interview Ran Longer Than Scheduled.
• Your Interviewer’s Body Language Cues Were Positive.
• Your Conversation Flowed Naturally.
• You Were Asked Follow-Up Questions.
• They Want You to Meet Other Team Members.
• Your Interviewer “Sold” You on the Job and Company.

Although it varies depending on industry, most interviews last between 45 minutes and one hour. This should provide sufficient time and flexibility from both sides to get to know one another.

Schedule one of the best candidates first in the interview process to encourage hiring managers to notice them. If not, the best candidate may just get lost. Last candidates may benefit from recency bias. HR professionals should also schedule an excellent candidate last in the interview process.

As a rule of thumb, following up within a week is perfectly acceptable. If you don’t hear back after an additional week, you can reach out again. However, if you don’t hear anything after a second week, it’s better to stay radio silent. Some companies have a long hiring process.

If you’ve received no response after a job interview (and you didn’t hear back even after you followed up on your job application), it’s safe to assume that you didn’t get the position and should keep interviewing with other companies.

Here Are 5 Things You Should And Shouldn’t Do While Waiting To Hear Back After A Job Interview

• First – send a thank you mail.
• Do. Not. Be. A.
• 3. … But do “stalk” them to be well-acquainted with what they do.
• Apply to other places.
• Finally – don’t allow yourself to treat the ‘waiting period’ as a period of just waiting.