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The Lasting First Impressions

When we talk of all that is fair and unfair in life, first impressions actually stand for all that is unfair. Someone that appears to be a fit for the job is hired based on first impressions; provided the candidate possesses the requisite qualifications. Someone, who may be more deserving, is not chosen for exactly the same reasons. To get a thorough understanding of the process of impression formation, one needs to first of all know the factors that are involved in impression formation. The second step would be learning to use the very same systems to one's advantage through a process called impression management.

Covering letter: It is said that impression formation at work begins with the covering letter that one sends out to an organisation for a job. Technically speaking, a covering letter helps form a mental schema or cognitive framework based on which the interviewer assesses the candidate. This schema may be based on the interviewer's past experience in dealing with applications and meetings with candidates. It could mean that you are perceived as a person type.

A covering letter that is sloppy will lead to similar traits getting associated with your personality and you will find yourself on the defensive in the interview. After all, each one of us has some flaws but the trick lies in the first impression that focuses only on positive attributes.

Primacy effect: Each one of us has some flaw or the other but the first impression must be based on positive attributes that are unquestioned and which create the `primacy effect'. In a study done by psychologists, a series of traits - intelligent, industrious, impulsive, critical, stubborn and envious - were used to test two different sets of subjects.

For the second group of subjects, the presentation of traits was reversed. The subjects belonging to the first group got more favourable ratings. Even the traits of being critical and stubborn were tempered by the traits of intelligence and industriousness. In other words, positive first impressions provide the requisite cushioning for the other dimensions of your personality.

The first handshake, eye contact, surety in manner will matter the most the first time around. Similarly, references or word of mouth that is in your favour will be invaluable in this respect.

Other factors: Apart from the primacy effect, other factors that influence impression formation are - source of information, negative versus positive information and atypical behaviours. A credible source of information helps create a distinct impression.

Make sure that any information being conveyed by a credible person about you is positive.

Similarly, negative information is always given more weight than the positive information. So, refrain from highlighting or indulging in any quirky acts. And, finally, atypical behaviours like an unusual habit or trait stands out like a sore thumb.

Impression management: All the factors mentioned above can be translated into a list of dos and don'ts. Initiatives that are aimed purely at impression management are as important. These are the tactics that résumé managers, placement agencies or career guides use to increase your value as a candidate. In fact, there's more to it in terms of what you can add at a personal level in order to appear in the most favourable light to the target audience.