You never get a second chance to make a first impression - so how to do it right when the big day finally arrives? Many aspects count when meeting someone for the first time, including your gestures, voice, clothing, or behaviour. This time, we addressed behaviour and confidence.

You may have several thoughts about being polite and looking into someone's eyes when shaking hands with them. However, our behaviours are far more complicated, and harder to keep under control.

Body language transmits the most significant messages about ourselves since more than 50 percent of our communication comes from non-verbal signs. Although using it unknowingly, we can acquire some skills to show the most attractive side of ourselves.

Succeeding at the introduction

Introducing yourself to a new person happens in a matter of seconds, but could determine the tone of the further conversation. Situations like that may take you by a sudden action. For this end, it is worthwhile to pay attention to your everyday introductions or rehearse them in a calm environment.

When meeting with someone new, your first challenge is presenting yourself appropriately and listening to the other one's introduction at the same time.

Seems impossible, but forgetting someone's name you have just met is one of the common mistakes. To avoid that, you could say their name out loud, which makes you more attentive, and also helps to remember the name you have just heard.

The next dilemma coming up could be about when to sit down. Although seeing the only chair opposite your interviewers, you would better wait for them to offer you a seat.

Shaking hands

The situation is the same with handshakes. It is recommended to wait for your partner's proposal as you are not in the leading position in a job interview. Being one of the oldest meeting traditions, handshakes have other conventions that are good to keep in mind.

A good handshake is firm and palm to palm, determined enough but in no case harmful, and expects the members to stand up. Eye contact is essential if you want to leave a decent impression, and smiling kindly also has the same result.

Another part of handshake etiquette is keeping your other hand visible, which gives a reliable picture of you since it makes the impression you have nothing to hide. Handshakes are also effective for saying goodbye, so they are suggested to be repeated before leaving.

Common worry related to handshakes is the sweaty palm caused by anxiety. Allan Pease, a world-famous communication expert came up with a solution for that difficulty. In The definitive book of body language, he suggests imagining a campfire and ourselves standing next to it. The warm feeling of this vision will help us make our skin fine again. 

Non-verbal actions

One of the most common advises says to use open body language. Its purpose is to become more communicative and leave a good impression. Here are some examples of that.

• Try not to cross your arms or legs in front of your body. Closed body language postures give you safety, but will not dislodge you from aloofness. Do not look down or away, lead far back, stoop, or hide any parts of your body. Instead, use open postures that make the interviewers feel this person wants to have a conversation.

• If you can get something in your hands, like a pen or a glass of water, just take it before you start speaking. Holding a glass of water opens your body language while grabbing a pen inspires you to start explaining.

• Respect personal space. You might not have problems with opening up to others but avoid falling to the other extreme. Do not spread your legs or relax your hands on another chair. Keep your belongings close to you in order to avoid making a spreading impression.

Closing remarks

It is never easy to change already existing non-verbal habits, but with practice and consciousness you can show the best side of yourself. Of course, there are situations when it seems uncomfortable to be open, but based on the phrase 'fake it 'till you make it' at a certain point you will not have to act anymore. Until then, you can rely on the power of tried and tested everyday conventions.

Case Solvers cares about details. Among others, we manage them at our Career trainings. (check this link). Besides the interview, non-verbal communication, behaviour and appearance are often measured at pre-screening tests by situational judgment tests.