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First Impression Essay | The Complete Guide to First Impressions Essay

October 30, 2021 by Prasanna

First Impression Essay: First impressions are everything. They can make or break a person, company, service or product. That’s why it is so important to make a good first impression. Furthermore, a person’s first impression can sway a person’s opinion with respect to their professional as well as their personal life. For instance, a candidate’s first impression in an interview may be a crucial factor to get hired. Similarly, dating and relationships often rely on first impressions from potential partners. Although this is not always the case, it can have a lasting impact on the other person and also affects the outcome of a potential relationship.

How exactly is a “first impression” defined? A first impression is the initial and (often) lasting impression of someone or something. A first impression can also be defined as the unspoken, instantaneous judgment of another person’s character, product, service or an organisation. This thought process usually happens automatically and involuntarily. Sometimes, marketing firms create hype for a particular product as they want the initial impression of a particular product or service to be positive. However, it also has the potential to backfire if the said product or service is poor or just plain bad.

You can also find more  Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Exploring the Science of First Impressions

At networking events, interviews, or even just meeting someone for the first time, the first impression you make is always important. The way you present yourself and your personality can make a lasting impression on the other person. The way you dress and carry yourself is a huge factor in making a good first impression. There are many different factors that influence first impressions. Some of these factors can be changed or altered while others cannot.

General Appearance and Clothing

The first factor is facial attractiveness. Though attractiveness is subjective, it can significantly influence the outcome of a first impression. An experiment proved that when people are shown photos of random human faces, they rated the more “attractive” faces as happier, more intelligent, and more honest than the “unattractive” faces. Moreover, your outward appearance is very crucial. This can be the way you dress or the way you carry yourself. One of the most important factors in any interaction is appearance. When meeting potential clients, it is important to dress for success and showcase your personality with apparels that are appropriate for the event.

Posture is of particular importance in first impressions. Slouching, for example, can indicate a feeling of insecurity or a lack of interest. Though slouching is usually involuntary for most people, it can be rectified with exercises that target the spinal cord. Moreover, body posture is a crucial element of non-verbal communication and not expressing the right posture at certain times can send a bad first impression. For instance, candidates that are nervous in an interview tend to look restless and tend to avoid eye contact. They may also sit very upright and have trouble interacting effectively with the interviewer.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions can be used to paint an accurate picture of your personality before you even say a word. Studies show that people make judgments about your personality within the first few seconds of meeting you. This is why many people spend so much time preparing for their first impression. Moreover, just like posture, facial expressions are an important form of nonverbal communication and influence your first impression significantly.

The handshake is the universal greeting that many of us use to greet someone we don’t know. It is a show of respect and a sign of good faith. A firm, confident handshake will help you make a good first impression and feel more confident and relaxed when meeting new people for the first time. On the other hand, a sloppy handshake might convey a lack of confidence or interest.

Punctuality

Punctuality is the key to creating a good first impression. Individuals who are punctual are better positioned to make a favorable impression on their clients, bosses, and others because they are more likely to be reliable and trustworthy. Moreover, individuals who are not punctual are often seen as unprofessional and unreliable.

However, there are a multitude of other factors which are out of our control but still significantly influence first impressions. These factors include:

The age of a person does not necessarily determine how they are perceived in society. However, it is a major determining factor. In most cases, those who are young are seen as energetic and those who are old as wise.

One of the most controversial factors that influence first impressions is race. The idea that there are racial differences in how people are treated has been around for a long time. For example, it has been shown that people with white-sounding names are more likely to be preferred for a job than those with African-American sounding names, even when their qualifications are identical. However, most of these issues can be attributed to our tendency to stereotype races and cultures.

A person’s culture plays an important role in first impressions. For example, some cultures are more expressive while others are more reticent. Other differences can be found in the way people greet one another or choose to dress. For instance, something as simple as a handshake may not be a socially accepted form of greeting in many cultures.

From the moment we meet someone, we make a judgement about them and their character based on what they say and how they say it. This is called linguistic profiling. Interestingly, this technique is predominantly used by law enforcement agencies to identify a person’s language. It is based on the idea that a person’s native language has a specific, identifiable linguistic pattern.

There are many studies that have shown the differences between how men and women are perceived in society. Men and women may often be stereotyped based on their gender which can create a first impression of them before they even say a word. This is called gender bias and can cause both prejudices and discrimination in any situation.

Physical appearance

Every day, people make judgments based on appearance, and these judgments can influence how people are treated throughout their lives. Individuals with significant facial scarring or other deformities are often shunned from society and considered socially unacceptable. Such individuals may also be unable to find a job or even a relationship due to the stigma surrounding them.

Accent bias is a phenomenon in which we unconsciously ascribe qualities to people based on where they’re from. This bias can emerge in hiring and purchasing decisions, and also in our everyday conversations. People with foreign accents are often viewed as less intelligent, reliable or competent than those who don’t, and this type of discrimination has been shown to have negative consequences for those affected.

The voice of a person can reveal their age, gender and emotional state. This is one of the many pieces of information that people use to form their first impressions. If a person’s voice is low-pitched (usually men), it may have a deep and commanding quality, which can be interpreted as stern and strong. People that have a high-pitched voice (usually women) that can sound comforting or alluring.

Economic status

A person’s socioeconomic status is an important part of how they are perceived. Studies show that higher status individuals are treated more positively than someone of lower status.

What Are Some Tips For Making A Good First Impression?

We all know that the first impression is the most important one. The way you dress, how you speak and what you say can make or break your chances of getting a job interview, making friends, getting promoted or meeting someone new.

Here are some ways to make sure that your first impression is a good one:

• Dress appropriately. Wear formals for professional interaction such as interviews and meetings
• Arrive early or as per the given time
• Be friendly and welcoming
• Show confidence, but ensure that you do not come off as brash
• Be humble. It helps us to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and act with empathy, which is the foundation of all human connection
• Smile – You will make a better first impression with people if you smile when you approach them
• Lastly, be mindful of the other person’s body language. If they feel nervous or uncomfortable, try to calm them down. Also ensure that you do not invade the personal space of other people

Conclusion on First Impression Essay

The first impression is the initial observation of a person or thing that creates a lasting opinion. Hence, this is a crucial interaction because it sets the tone for everything that will happen thereafter.

FAQ’s on First Impression Essay

Question 1. What is the meaning of “first impression?”

Answer: The term “first impression” refers to the initial perception of something. Moreover, the first impression of a person is usually the lasting one.

Question 2. What are the factors that influence first impression?

Answer: There are many factors that contribute to the first impression. Some of the most important factors include personality, appearance, posture, handshakes, and facial expressions.

Question 3. Do first impressions matter?

Answer: In a world of snap judgments, it seems that first impressions do matter. Whether we like it or not, we often form opinions of someone within the first five minutes of meeting them. These opinions may be based on how the person dresses and carries themselves.

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First Impressions: Writing A Great College Essay

For most students it is a challenge trying to figure out what to highlight in a college application essay. Should you focus more on clubs, sports, and extracurriculars, or would an impressive list of academic achievements be better?

Believe it or not, your future school is probably dealing with the same questions. Grade inflation means that it can be difficult to differentiate students by their academic achievements alone, and most good students also have a wealth of extracurricular activities that make the job even harder. As a result, colleges are increasingly looking to your essay for a better idea of who you are.

This makes it all the more important to get your essay right—but it can be daunting when it feels like every word is important. We asked our admissions experts what they usually look for, and came up with the following dos and don’ts for a great college essay.

Write for your audience. Most students apply to around eight schools, but make the mistake of using the same essay for each. Every school has a different set of values and characteristics, and you need to show admissions officers that you have them too—so tailor your response!

Take note when prompted. Some essay questions are open-ended and allow you to choose your topic, but when a school asks a specific question, make sure you answer it. Do your research and think about how you can use the topic to showcase your own experiences.

Use examples. You might say you want to run your own business one day, but statements like this are much more powerful if you can give examples of how you are progressing towards your goals. Link statements to examples wherever you can, and then further link these to your choice of program and school.

Be passionate and heartfelt. Give the admissions committee a reason to be excited about having you on their campus. Your future college wants talented students, but it is just as important to them that they are engaged—so show them what motivates you and how it will transfer to your degree.

Take your time: Very few people produce their best work under time pressure, so make sure you take breaks to give yourself a chance to refocus and gain a new perspective on your writing. You should also have someone else take a look at your work—other people can often spot problem areas or typos that you would have otherwise missed.

Write one long paragraph. Structure your ideas into clearly defined sections and it will pay off—an introduction, middle, and a conclusion will help admissions officers to understand your points as they read through quickly.

Over-state the facts: Making a two-week internship sound like you were the CEO of a Fortune 500 company won’t improve your standing in the eyes of the admissions committee. Be honest—they’ll appreciate it.

Try and cram too much in: If your essay feels like a list of your various classes, clubs, jobs, and accomplishments, it won’t help the admissions committee understand what you’re like as a person. Try not to exceed the requested word count, be focused, and edit yourself well.

Use complex language: Focus on plain, correct English to make your statement clear and easy to read. Overcomplicating your language might demonstrate a wide vocabulary, but it won’t help your clarity. If you’re producing an essay, this is your chance to demonstrate your writing skills and the fact that you know what’s appropriate when—a critical asset for a university student.

Remember, admissions committees receive thousands of personal statements, and they have limited time to read them, so you need to stand out. Ask yourself if your essay truly reflects you, or just sounds like anyone else you know. Be clear, let your talents shine through, and make your reason for applying to their school obvious.

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How to Make a Great First Impression

by Rebecca Knight

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?

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Essay Introduction . Important Paragraph

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Powerful First Impressions: a Guide to Making Your Introduction Sparkle

← Back to WRITING TUTORIAL

In essays as in life, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. A professor or teacher can read the first few lines of a paper and tell you with a high degree of certainty whether the paper is going to be good or bad, and whether the person who wrote it is a good student, or one near the bottom of the class. As a result, the introduction is a vital aspect of your essay, and making it as effective as possible will improve your mark for essays dramatically .

One of the most important lessons to learn about introductions is what not to do within them. Many times students will begin with a very dramatic line, or a generalization about life, or time, or human history which is almost entirely beside the point of the essay. Perhaps the worst possible but most common first line of student introductions is "Throughout the ages, mankind has...." Your essay is not long enough to deal with the complete history of humanity, so you should not mention it in your introduction. Remember, be as specific as possible, and you will be rewarded. You are not being asked to write something that has universal significance and solves mysteries of life. You have been given a specific task, and completing this is enough.

Try to begin by stating the important but uninteresting facts alongside more interesting statements, rather than just listing boring information on its own. For example, in a literary essay it is important to list the names of the authors and book you will be discussing. However, these points are not particularly interesting. Despite this, many students feel the need to give each of these its own sentence, which makes the introduction chunky, awkward, and uninteresting. As an alternative to this, try combining these elements into a sentence that also says something beyond the simple and boring facts of title and authorship. An example might be something like, "George Orwell's dystopic novel 1984 reveals the disturbing potential of advanced technology in a world obsessed with surveillance." The boring but necessary information is presented, but it is almost swallowed up by the far more interesting conclusion the sentence comes to.

This reveals another important principle about introduction construction. You have a very limited space to say many things, so make sure that each sentence does more than one thing. In the above sentence, we can see that at least four details are being considered: the name of the book, its author, its genre, and its content broadly conceived. This is the essence of efficiency, and even after you have completed your introduction, go back and try to unite separate sentences to form more efficient combined ones.

Finally, make sure that your introduction includes your thesis statement, as well as the main points that will take you there. Another example will help to clarify this: "1984 critiques technology through its criticism of warfare, its presentation of evil technocratic governments, and the hope it holds for the simple proles." Your thesis leads the sentence (1984 critiques technology), and this is followed by the points that support it. The order of these points is important for the rest of your paper, for these broad categories will form the different large sections of your essay. Make sure that their order here matches the order in which you present them in the paper itself. This makes your argument clear, and also sets up the structure your essay will follow, allowing the reader, and your professor or teacher, to see that you have a clear idea and a definite plan for proving it.

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How to Write an Introduction

An introduction for an essay or research paper is the first paragraph, which explains the topic and prepares the reader for the rest of the work. Because it’s responsible for both the reader’s first impression and setting the stage for the rest of the work, the introduction paragraph is arguably the most important paragraph in the work. 

Knowing how to write an introduction paragraph is a great skill, not just for writers, but for students and researchers as well. Here, we explain everything you need to know to write the best introduction, such as what to include and a step-by-step process, with some introduction paragraph examples. 

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What is an introduction?

Your introduction is a way of preparing your reader for your paper. As the first paragraph of your writing , it makes the first impression and sets the reader’s expectations for tone, voice, and writing style. More importantly, your introduction provides the necessary background for your reader to understand your paper’s purpose and key points. 

The introduction is also a way to engage and captivate your reader. An interesting, thought-provoking, or generally entertaining introduction makes your reader excited to keep reading—and an eager reader is an attentive reader.  

What to include in an introduction

Introductions generally follow the writing style of the author and the format for the type of paper—for example, opening with a joke is appropriate for some essays, but not research papers . However, no matter what your writing style is or what kind of paper you’re writing, a good introduction includes at least three parts: 

• A hook to capture the reader’s attention
• Background for context
• A clearly defined thesis statement or main point of your paper

How to write a hook

The hook refers to anything that grabs (or “hooks”) your reader’s attention and makes them interested. This could be a mystery, such as posing a question and only answering it at the end of your paper. Or it could be a shocking statistic, something that makes your reader rethink what they thought they knew and become curious for more information. 

Hooks can be even more creative. Some papers start with an analogy or parable to present complicated topics in a way that someone with little experience can understand. Likewise, many writers opt to use personal anecdotes to show a more human side and spark an emotional connection with the reader. 

When all else fails, you can use a poignant quote. If you’re having trouble putting your thoughts into words, maybe one of the great minds from history has already said it well. 

You can read all about how to write a hook here, including more detailed instructions and examples. 

How to add background information

Not every paper requires background knowledge, but sometimes your reader needs to catch up or understand the context before you make your original points. 

If you’re writing about something factual, such as a scientific or historical paper, you may need to provide a small lesson on the basics. For example, if you’re writing about the conflict between ancient Egypt and Nubia, you might want to establish the time period and where each party was located geographically. 

Just don’t give too much away in the introduction. In general, introductions should be short. If your topic requires extensive background to understand, it’s best to dedicate a few paragraphs to this after the introduction. 

How to write a thesis statement

Every good introduction needs a thesis statement , a sentence that plainly and concisely explains the main topic. Thesis statements are often just a brief summary of your entire paper, including your argument or point of view for personal essays. For example, if your paper is about whether viewing violent cartoons impacts real-life violence, your thesis statement could be: 

Despite the rhetoric and finger-pointing, no evidence has connected live-action role-play violence with real-world violence, but there is plenty of evidence for exoneration, as I explain here.  

Learning to write a good thesis statement is an essential writing skill, both in college and the world of work, so it’s worth taking the time to learn. The rule of thumb for thesis statements is not to give everything away all at once. Thesis statements, and more broadly introductions, should be short and to the point, so save the details for the rest of the paper. 

How to write an introduction paragraph in 6 steps

1 decide on the overall tone and formality of your paper.

Often what you’re writing determines the style: The guidelines for how to write an introduction for a report are different from those for how to write an English essay introduction. Even the different types of essays have their own limitations; for example, slang might be acceptable for a personal essay, but not a serious argumentative essay. 

Don’t force yourself to write in a style that’s uncomfortable to you. If you’re not good at making jokes, you don’t need to. As long as your writing is interesting and your points are clear, your readers won’t mind.  

2 Write your thesis statement 

At the beginning of writing a paper, even before writing the research paper outline , you should know what your thesis is. If you haven’t already, now is the time to put that thesis into words by writing your thesis statement. 

Thesis statements are just one sentence, but they are usually the most important sentence in your entire work. When your thesis is clearly defined, your readers will often use it as an anchor to understand the rest of the writing. 

The key to writing a good thesis statement is knowing what to ignore. Your thesis statement should be an overview, not an outline. Save the details, evidence, and personal opinions for the body of the paper. 

If you’re still having trouble, ask yourself how you’d explain this topic to a child. When you’re forced to use small words and simplify complex ideas, your writing comes across more clearly and is easier to understand. This technique also helps you know which details are necessary up front and which can wait until later .

3 Consider what background information your reader needs 

Don’t take your own experience for granted. By this point in the writing process , you’ve probably already finished your research, which means you’re somewhat of an expert on the topic. Think back to what it was like before you learned: What did you wish you had known then? 

Even if your topic is abstract, such as an ethical debate, consider including some context on the debate itself. How long has the ethical debate been happening? Was there a specific event that started it? Information like this can help set the scene so your reader doesn’t feel like they’re missing something. 

4 Think of a good hook

Writing a hook can be the most difficult part of writing an introduction because it calls for some creativity. While the rest of your paper might be presenting fact after fact, the hook in your introduction often requires creating something from nothing. 

Luckily, there are already plenty of tried-and-true strategies for how to start an essay . If you’re not feeling very creative, you can use a method that’s already been proven effective. 

Just remember that the best hooks create an emotional connection—which emotion is up to you and your topic. 

5 Write a rough draft of your introduction without pressure

It’s normal to clam up when writing a rough draft of your introduction. After all, the introduction always comes first, so it’s the first thing you write when you finally begin. 

As explained in our guide to writing a rough draft , the best advice is not to pressure yourself. It’s OK to write something that’s messy—that’s what makes this draft rough . The idea here is to get words on paper that make your point. They don’t have to be the perfect words; that’s what revisions are for. 

At the beginning, just worry about saying what needs to be said. Get down your hook and thesis statement, and background information if necessary, without worrying about how it sounds. You’ll be able to fix the problems later.

6 Revise your introduction after you’ve written your whole paper.

We recommend finishing the first draft of your entire paper before revising the introduction. You may make some changes in your paper’s structure when writing the first draft, and those changes should be reflected in the introduction.

After the first draft, it’s easier to focus on minutiae like word choice and sentence structure, not to mention finding spelling and grammar mistakes.

Introduction for an essay example

While other kids’ memories of circuses are happy and fun, what I recall most from my first time at a circus was feeling sorry for the animals—I can still remember the sadness in their eyes. [HOOK] Although animal rights in the circus have come a long way, their treatment of animals even under the new laws is still cruelty plain and simple. [BACKGROUND] The way circuses abuse animals needs to be abolished immediately, and we need to entirely rethink the way we use animals for entertainment. [THESIS STATEMENT]  

Introduction for a research paper example

What would happen to humanity if everyone just stopped having babies? [HOOK] Although more endemic in some places than others, the global decline in birth rates has become a major issue since the end of the pandemic. [BACKGROUND] My research here shows not only that birth rates are declining all over the world, but also that unless the threats are addressed, these drastic declines will only get worse. [THESIS STATEMENT] 

Introduction FAQs

An introduction is the first paragraph in an essay or research paper. It prepares the reader for what follows. 

What’s the purpose of an introduction?

The goal of the introduction is to both provide the necessary context for the topic so the reader can follow along and also create an emotional connection so the reader wants to keep reading. 

What should an introduction include?

An introduction should include three things: a hook to interest the reader, some background on the topic so the reader can understand it, and a thesis statement that clearly and quickly summarizes your main point. 

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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."