7 ways to make a good first impression

First impressions last. That proves to be true for a lot of situations, such as job interviews, dating, or simply hanging out with a new crowd. Nobody wants to be remembered by people they’re meeting for the first time in a bad light, so it’s best to know how to be presentable at all times.

Making a lasting impression is as simple as having good hygiene and developing good communication skills. Just follow these tips and you're good to go:

1. Wear clothes that fit right
Clothes that are too tight will make you feel uncomfortable and restrict your movements. Clothes that are too big, however, may look too sloppy. Make sure you wear clothes that hang closely to your body. Doing so will give you a neat impression to the people you’re meeting for the first time.

2. Smell good

Smelling good is always a big turn-on for anyone. Proper hygiene will do the trick, but putting on cologne can turn heads. To make your fragrance last, follow these tips:

• Maximize the contact area where you spray. Spritz on your wrist, arms, chest, and neck.
• Spray on your clothing, but make sure the liquid is clear. Otherwise, stop. It will only leave a stain, especially on white and light colored clothes.
• Re-apply–once in the morning and another in the afternoon, but don’t overspray.
• For intense scents, it's best to spray the fragrance in the air, and then slowly walk into the mist. This will help you avoid giving a strong smell because of too much perfume.

3. Be yourself
This is important especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time. Just relax and let the real you shine.

4. Make eye contact during a conversation
Looking at someone in the eye while talking to him or her doesn't only say that you are confident, but it also shows your sincerity. Not making eye contact with the person you are talking to may signify discomfort or embarrassment. It may even come off as rude behavior.

5. Give a firm handshake

This is almost as important as making eye contact. Handshakes are especially vital in business meetings and job interviews because it shows confidence. A soft handshake may be perceived as not wanting to touch the other person's hand, while a firm handshake can start off a good conversation.

6. Pay attention
When someone is talking, make sure to listen. Paying attention will earn you positive points and help you know the person better.

7. Maintain proper posture
Stand tall and sit up straight. Slouching and hunching your shoulders will not only give you a back ache, it may also send off a negative message to the person you are meeting for the first time. You don’t want to be perceived as uninterested. Worse, it can make you look lousy no matter how well-dressed you are.

While it is true that you can't stop people from making judgments, these simple steps may just help you make a good first impression.

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