Reply To: Do you size people up when meeting them? How often are you proven wrong?

It is important to always be on your best behaviour. The one thing that is difficult to change is someone’s first impression of you. Many authors of “self help” type books say that a first impression can never be altered, but I don’t believe that – you might have to work harder to change a person’s first impression of you, but I think it can be done. Life is much simpler though, if you are always putting your best foot forward – simple things like clean, unwrinkled clothing, an overall neat appearance and good grooming makes a stranger want to know more about you, even before an introduction – because they have sized you up prior to a first handshake (which should be firm – nothing worse than the “limp fish” handshake). The things I have mentioned are even more important if the person you are meeting is interviewing you for a job. Many of these interviewers are trained HR people and as you walk through their door your outward appearance tells them a lot. If all other things are equal, sometimes the “outward trappings” can get you the job. After first glances, the way you talk with someone and whether or not you look directly at them continue to make that first impression. Most strangers can tell very quickly if you are being sincere and if they would like to pursue a friendship or business relationship with you.