It is often said that you never (0) GET a second chance to make a first impression, and psychologists tend to agree. Research suggests that within just a few seconds of meeting someone, we form judgements about their personality, competence and trustworthiness — judgements that can be surprisingly difficult to later on.
This phenomenon, sometimes called the 'halo effect', may explain why an initial positive impression can our perception of a person's subsequent behaviour. A candidate who comes as confident in the opening minutes of an interview, for instance, is often credited with strengths they have not yet had the opportunity to demonstrate. Conversely, a poor start can be remarkably hard to , even when later evidence points in the opposite direction.
Of course, first impressions are not entirely reliable. They depend heavily on cultural norms, personal bias and the particular context in which the encounter place. Still, since snap judgements are unlikely to disappear any time soon, it makes sense to them seriously. Paying attention to body language, making eye and dressing appropriately for the situation are all simple strategies that can tip the balance in your