first impression about someone essay

First Impression of Someone Is Important, But We Should Not Judge Another Person So Quickly - IELTS Essay

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Model Essay 1

The question of whether first impressions are crucial or whether a more measured approach to judging others is advisable sparks considerable debate. This essay argues that while initial assessments can provide valuable insights, they should not overshadow a deeper understanding of a person. The discussion will elaborate on the merits of both viewpoints and advocate for a balanced perspective.

Proponents of valuing first impressions emphasize their inevitability and impact. Psychological studies suggest that humans form initial assessments within seconds, influenced by non-verbal cues such as appearance and body language. These instinctual judgments, often accurate, can serve as effective shortcuts in decision-making. For example, in professional settings, a positive first impression can equate to career opportunities, as people are more likely to trust and collaborate with those they initially perceive as competent and likable. Furthermore, in networking scenarios, first impressions can dictate the willingness of others to engage, potentially opening or closing doors to future collaborations. Hence, first impressions are not only natural but can offer significant advantages in social and professional interactions.

Conversely, others advocate for a more reflective approach, stressing that first impressions, while influential, can be superficial and misleading. This view encourages deeper engagement, particularly important in multicultural societies where initial misunderstandings can arise from cultural differences. A study by Harvard University illustrates that prolonged interactions allow individuals to surpass initial biases, fostering richer relationships and more effective teamwork. For instance, learning about a colleague’s work ethic and personal values over time often alters initial perceptions, highlighting the importance of patience and openness in forming accurate judgements. Additionally, this method reduces the risk of overlooking valuable relationships due to early misconceptions, thereby enriching personal and professional networks.

In conclusion, while first impressions hold valuable insights, they must be balanced with thorough understanding gained over time. This essay supports a comprehensive evaluation approach, promoting both instinctual assessments and prolonged observation, to foster relationships that are both immediately engaging and enduringly substantial.

Model Essay 2

Some believe that initial impressions are crucial, while others argue for a more deliberate judgment of others over time. This essay contends that while first impressions can be influential, they should not overshadow a more nuanced understanding obtained through further interaction. The following discussion will compare the impact of initial assessments with the benefits of a deeper acquaintance.

Proponents of valuing first impressions highlight their inevitability and impact in social and professional settings. Psychological studies suggest that people form judgments within seconds of meeting someone, affecting their future interactions and decisions. For instance, in job interviews, a candidate's initial demeanor, such as their attire or handshake, can significantly influence the interviewer's perception and ultimately the hiring decision. Moreover, these snap judgments are often based on evolutionary instincts, which can be remarkably accurate. These instincts, honed over millennia, help us quickly assess potential threats and opportunities, serving as effective guides in decision-making. Such perspectives argue that first impressions are not just superficial assessments but are deeply rooted in our survival mechanisms, enabling quick and often effective decision-making.

Conversely, detractors caution against the reliance on these initial judgments. They argue that first impressions, while quick and sometimes accurate, can also be misleading and superficial. Personal experiences, such as discovering a friend's true loyalty over time or learning about a colleague's hidden competencies, illustrate how deeper relationships provide a more accurate understanding of a person's character and abilities. These deeper insights often reveal qualities like resilience, empathy, and intellect that initial impressions might miss. Furthermore, cultural differences can skew initial perceptions, which only thorough interaction can correct. Such misunderstandings can lead to premature judgments and missed opportunities for meaningful relationships. This approach promotes a more empathetic and comprehensive evaluation of individuals, encouraging societal cohesion and personal connections that transcend initial biases, fostering a more inclusive community.

In conclusion, while first impressions hold significant sway in our social interactions, they must be balanced with a deeper, more considered acquaintance. Acknowledging both perspectives, it is prudent to blend the intuitive power of first impressions with the clarity that prolonged engagement and understanding bring.

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Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression?

In a winning essay for our 2019 Personal Narrative Contest, a teenager writes about wanting to make the right impression on her first day in a new school. Do first impressions matter, or are they overrated?

By Jeremy Engle

Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.

This special Student Opinion question features one of the winning essays from our 2019 Personal Narrative Writing Contest. You can read all of the 2019 winning essays here , and learn more about participating in this year’s contest, open now until Nov. 17, 2020, here .

Have you ever fretted and agonized over a first encounter?

What did you do to make a good impression? Did you practice witty lines in your head? Did you ransack your closets looking for the perfect outfit?

Have you ever truly bungled a first impression? Or, surprised yourself and won over the crowd despite your great apprehension?

What can you learn about yourself from these first encounters?

In “ First Impressions ,” a winning essay from our 2019 Personal Narrative Contest for students, Isabel Hui writes about a time when she hoped to make a good impression — and what she learned about herself from it. Her narrative reads:

When I woke up on August 4, 2016, there was only one thing on my mind: what to wear. A billion thoughts raced through my brain as wooden hangers shuffled back and forth in the cramped hotel closet. I didn’t want to come off as a try-hard, but I also didn’t want to be seen as a slob. Not only was it my first day of high school, but it was my first day of school in a new state; first impressions are everything, and it was imperative for me to impress the people who I would spend the next four years with. For the first time in my life, I thought about how convenient it would be to wear the horrendous matching plaid skirts that private schools enforce. It wasn’t insecurity driving me to madness; I was actually quite confident for a teenage girl. It was the fact that this was my third time being the new kid. Moving so many times does something to a child’s development … I struggled finding friends that I could trust would be there for me if I picked up and left again. But this time was different because my dad’s company ensured that I would start and finish high school in the same place. This meant no instant do-overs when I pick up and leave again. This time mattered, and that made me nervous. After meticulously raiding my closet, I emerged proudly in a patterned dress from Target. The soft cotton was comfortable, and the ruffle shoulders added a hint of fun. Yes, this outfit was the one. An hour later, I felt just as powerful as I stepped off the bus and headed toward room 1136. But as I turned the corner into my first class, my jaw dropped to the floor. Sitting at her desk was Mrs. Hutfilz, my English teacher, sporting the exact same dress as I. I kept my head down and tiptoed to my seat, but the first day meant introductions in front of the whole class, and soon enough it was my turn. I made it through my minute speech unscathed, until Mrs. Hutfilz stood up, jokingly adding that she liked my style. Although this was the moment I had been dreading from the moment I walked in, all the anxiety that had accumulated throughout the morning surprisingly melted away; the students who had previously been staring at their phones raised their heads to pay attention as I shared my story. My smile grew as I giggled with my peers, ending my speech with “and I am very stylish, much like my first period teacher.” After class, I stayed behind and talked to Mrs. Hutfilz, sharing my previous apprehension about coming into a new school and state. I was relieved to make a humorous and genuine connection with my first teacher, one that would continue for the remainder of the year. This incident reminded me that it’s only high school; these are the times to have fun, work hard, and make memories, not stress about the trivial details. Looking back four years later, the ten minutes I spent dreading my speech were really not worth it. While my first period of high school may not have gone exactly the way I thought it would, it certainly made the day unforgettable in the best way, and taught me that Mrs. Hutfilz has an awesome sense of style!

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

When have you made a good or bad first impression? Tell us what happened: Who did you meet, and what were the circumstances — was it a job interview, the first day of school or perhaps a chance encounter on the street? What thoughts were going through your head at the time? What made the impression a positive one or not?

Do you agree with the saying, “You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Have you ever recovered from a bad first impression you made or changed your initial thoughts about someone else?

Do you connect with anything in Isabel’s story? Have you ever fretted and agonized over an anticipated encounter or event? Which moments in the essay did you find most surprising, powerful or moving? Why?

At the end of the essay, Isabel reflects on her experience and gives the reader a take-away: “This incident reminded me that it’s only high school; these are the times to have fun, work hard, and make memories, not stress about the trivial details.” What do you think of that advice? Is there a moment in your life that changed the way you think or look at the world?

Isabel uses many vivid details to capture her feelings of fear and apprehension such as “meticulously raiding my closet,” and “I kept my head down and tiptoed to my seat.” Which “writer’s moves” that Isabel used in her narrative do you admire most? Choose one and share why you thought it was effective. How did it draw you into the story and help you to identify with the author’s situation?

Students, if Isabel’s story inspired you, consider turning what you wrote into your own personal narrative and submit it to our contest , now through Nov. 17, 2020.

About Student Opinion

• Find all our Student Opinion questions in this column . • Have an idea for a Student Opinion question? Tell us about it . • Learn more about how to use our free daily writing prompts for remote learning .

Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Jeremy Engle joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2018 after spending more than 20 years as a classroom humanities and documentary-making teacher, professional developer and curriculum designer working with students and teachers across the country. More about Jeremy Engle

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First Impressions: Everything You Need to Make a Good Introduction

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Jordi Salas/Moment/Getty

How to Make a Good First Impression

• Signs of a Good Impression
• Why It Matters
• Overcoming a Bad Impression

First impressions are the initial opinions that people form the first time they meet another person. Such judgments occur very quickly and are based on the immediate, limited information that is available.

The first impressions people form are often based on immediate observations about characteristics, such as how others look, how they act, what they say, and their general attitude. However, people also bring their own past experiences, expectations, biases , and misapprehensions to the situations when forming impressions.

While first impressions play an important role in how people feel about others, how they treat them, and the future development of the relationship, such perceptions can be biased and inaccurate.

Because first impressions can be wrong, it is important to remember that you should look at other information beyond your initial perceptions when you are making judgments about other people.

This article discusses what you can do to make a good first impression and how to gauge whether or not you have succeeded. It also offers tips for what you can do to help overcome a bad first impression.

Making a good first impression is important, particularly in certain situations. If you are trying to make a good impression on other people, there are some strategies that can help.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

Nonverbal signals can convey a great deal of information, so it is important to make sure that your body language reinforces the impression you are trying to make.

Maintain an open posture and make sure you keep your body angled toward the other person. Sit or stand straight and keep your arms at your sides and your legs straight. Crossing your arms or legs can seem closed off or even defensive.

Watch Your Expressions

In addition to using good body language, be sure to watch how you are responding with your facial expressions. Smiling , for example, can help convey warmth and genuine interest.  

If you are feeling tense, such as during a job interview or while speaking in public, try to maintain a relaxed expression. Researchers have found that people perceive people with happy expressions as more trustworthy.

Dress Appropriately

Appearance, including how you dress, can help convey information about who you are to others. If you are dressed correctly for the occasion, it may help people form a good impression of you.

This doesn't mean that you can't express yourself through your appearance, but it is important to consider how you want to be perceived. Choose clothing that looks neat, is suited to the occasion, and helps you feel comfortable and confident when meeting new people.

Different situations have different expectations. A job interview would necessitate a more formal, professional appearance, whereas meeting a new friend for coffee would involve more casual dress.

Consider Your Words

When speaking to others, focus on using language that is polite, respectful, and non-judgmental. While there are certain opinions or subjects you might feel comfortable discussing with people who already know you well, it is best to try to be considerate of other people's feelings and backgrounds when you are first introduced.

Knowing how to make small talk can be helpful. Neutral topics such as the weather, hobbies, sports, travel, and food can be great icebreakers. Just be sure to avoid critical or controversial opinions, such as trash-talking the other person's favorite sports team.

Instead, try asking open-ended questions about the other person, such as what they are reading or what they enjoy doing in their free time. It can be a great way to convey genuine interest and help the other person form the impression that you are attentive and genuine.

Show Interest in Others

When you are speaking to someone new, practice active listening. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say and make sure that you are listening to their responses.

Focus on the other person is also a great strategy if you are feeling anxious about meeting new people. By concentrating on the other person, you're less likely to focus on your own nervousness.

If you are nervous on a first date, for example, focus on the other person. Express interest in what they have to say and ask questions in a way that feels natural (and not like an interrogation or job interview).

How to Know If You’ve Made a Good First Impression

It isn't always easy or even possible to tell if you've made a good first impression on others. However, there are clues that you can watch for that might provide a bit of insight into what the other person is thinking and feeling:

• Positive feedback : In some cases, people might offer direct feedback about how they are feeling about your meeting. A job interviewer, for example, might tell a job candidate that they are exactly right for the role or indicate that they are impressed by the interviewee's credentials.
• Positive nonverbal signals : Body language that conveys warmth, comfort, and interest is always a good sign. If your conversation partner seems like they enjoy talking to you, it is a good sign that they are forming a positive first impression.
• Further interest : If the other person follows up and contacts you again after your initial meeting, you probably made a good first impression. For example, if you give a potential romantic partner your phone number and they follow up with a text or phone call, it means they were impressed enough to express interest in meeting again.
• Interest in socializing : If you've made a good first impression, the other person might reach out about getting together again. Or they might invite you to participate in some type of activity, such as another date or a potential work project.

Why First Impressions Are Important

People are evolutionarily wired to make snap judgments and quick decisions about others. These initial impressions may be based on very limited information, but they can affect how people see each other, set the tone for future interactions, and leave a lasting mark on how people view one another.

Initial Impressions Affect Other Assumptions

A phenomenon known as the halo effect can also impact people's impressions. If they perceive certain good qualities about you (like that you are nice, professional, and quick-witted), they are more likely to attribute other good qualities to you as well.

First Impressions Affect Future Interactions

Such impressions can have a significant impact in many ways. In the workplace, first impressions can play a role in employment opportunities, leadership roles, collaborations with others, and future advancement. 

In social situations, how well others think of you based on their first assessment might determine the rapport they feel and whether they end up trusting or liking you.

Such impressions can also impact your love life. You might express interest in a potential partner, only to be rebuffed if you leave a poor first impression. 

The ability to accurately recognize other people's emotions is essential for effective social interaction, but some research suggests that poor first impressions can negatively affect the ability to read emotions based on facial expressions.

First Impressions Are Long-Lasting

As the famous saying goes, you never have a second chance to make a first impression, and, for better or worse, those first impressions tend to stick. This is because of a phenomenon known as the primacy effect . Essentially, people tend to have a better memory for the initial information they learned than they do for subsequent information that follows.

When a person thinks about you, those first impressions are more likely to spring to mind over other details they may have learned, all thanks to the primacy effect.

Researchers found that first impressions made based on briefly looking at a photograph of a stranger affected judgments when participants met the same stranger face-to-face a month later.

How to Overcome a Bad First Impression

First impressions are important, but everyone has an off day or makes mistakes in social situations. While it might be more of a challenge to change how you are perceived, there are things you can do to overcome a bad first impression.

If your first meeting was marred by some type of mistake, reach out and apologize . Showing that you are aware of your gaffe and willing to take steps to overcome it can help improve the impression the other person has of you.

Explain What Happened

You don’t want to make excuses, but it can be helpful to provide an honest explanation for why your first meeting went poorly. You might explain that you were nervous, that you weren’t feeling well, that you were distracted, or that you were feeling stressed about something unrelated. No matter the cause, an honest explanation may help the other person better empathize with your situation.

Suggest Another Meeting

If you won’t see them in another setting, ask if you can have another opportunity to let them get to see the real you. However, be willing to respect the other person’s request if they decline your offer.

For example, don't continue pursuing a potential romantic partner after they have told you they are not interested. Don't take it personally; instead, see it as a learning opportunity and try to apply those lessons when you meet someone new.

Let Them See the Real You

If you do get another opportunity to overcome a poor initial impression, make sure you are authentic and consistent in your future interactions. Let the other person see the “real you” in terms of context and situation.

If it’s a second date, let them see the qualities that make you a great romantic partner, such as warmth, kindness, humor, and attentiveness.

In a workplace setting, focus on showing your skills and professionalism. Demonstrating initiative, productivity, and good work habits are just a few ways to help overcome a poor first impression at work.

Poor first impressions happen for a variety of reasons, but there are things you can do to overcome them. Apologizing, offering an explanation, asking for another chance, and showing your best qualities can help others form a more accurate view of who you are and what you have to offer.

A Word From Verywell

Think of first impressions as a building block for relationships—they play a major part in setting the tone for future interactions. Making a good first impression is a great start, but there are also reasons why those initial interactions might be less-than-stellar. Stress, situational factors, and even the other person’s expectations can affect how they see you.

A poor first impression can sink your chances professionally, socially, and romantically, so it is worth it to examine how others react to you in these settings.

Tsankova E, Tair E. Meta-accuracy of very first impressions: A mini review . Front Psychol . 2021;12:736534. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736534

Wood TJ. Exploring the role of first impressions in rater-based assessments . Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract . 2014;19(3):409-427. doi:10.1007/s10459-013-9453-9

Thierry SM, Twele AC, Mondloch CJ. Mandatory first impressions: happy expressions increase trustworthiness ratings of subsequent neutral images . Perception . 2021;50(2):103-115. doi:10.1177/0301006620987205

Colonnello V, Russo PM, Mattarozzi K. First impression misleads emotion recognition . Front Psychol . 2019;10:527. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00527

Gunaydin G, Selcuk E, Zayas V. Impressions based on a portrait predict, 1-month later, impressions following a live interaction . Social Psychological and Personality Science . 2017;8(1):36-44.doi:10.1177/1948550616662123

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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How to Make a Great First Impression

• Rebecca Knight

Prepare talking points ahead of time.

The saying “You only have one chance to make a first impression” holds true in many situations, from job interviews to sales calls. How can you make sure that you start off on the right foot in any of these scenarios? What should you actually say? And what’s the best way to follow up?

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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Writing Task 2: Your first impressions when you meet someone are always right

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that your first impressions when you meet someone are always right.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least  250  words.

Sample Answer 1:  [Disagreement]

First impressions, without a doubt, have great importance, but they do not always reveal the true characteristics of a person and I believe that first impressions are not always accurate. This essay discusses why first impressions may often be deceptive and less important in judging someone. To begin with, first impressions often reflect a great deal of information about a person, especially if we meet this person all of a sudden. We can judge him from the way he dresses, speaks, starts a conversation and expresses his views. This is often the true reflection of a person’s character. But this can often be ambiguous. For instance, my experience has taught me that people who become friends very quickly are less serious about a long-term friendship though they give an opposite impression on their first meet. Moreover, people try to behave modestly, act friendly, show compassion and exhibit their positive sides when they meet someone for the first time. Only a long-term observation can express their true nature and intention. From this regard, I would not agree with the view that my initial impressions about someone are always right. I believe we can learn many things about a person only when we spend time with the person, and can understand their true colour when we see and meet them closely. To conclude, people are one of the greatest mysteries in the world and judging someone at the first meet is kind of irrational. No doubt a great deal about someone could be learned from the first encounter, but this is not always right, at least not in my experience.

(268 words)

Sample Answer 2:  [Agree to some extent]

Two lines of thoughts exist when it comes to the significance of first impressions, and for many, they form the basis for judging a person’s personality and background. I believe that first impression is important to some extent; however, my support is in the favour of knowing the person better instead of establishing the judgments just on looks and dress-up as I support the more holistic way of getting to know people. To begin with, I believe that first impressions give just a glimpse of somebody’s character. There can be a variety of underlying factors and reasons for which the person might behave in a particular way. If someone, for example, does not initiate a conversation and does not smile at a party where it is required to mingle, it could be because the person is ill or have some sort of personal crisis going on. Judging by first impressions, that person can be easily labelled as arrogant and unfriendly. However, if someone makes an effort to know the person and the reason behind being a recluse in the party, the former judgment is entirely reversed. In addition, outer appearances change and evolve but the inner personality remains almost the same. People who form their perception on the basis of fleeting outer appearances are often mistaken. On the contrary, in some instances, for instance, a job interview, first impressions are of foremost importance. Recruiters are specifically trained to sort potential employees based on the first impression. The first impression not only includes the way of dressing, but also the way a person speaks and carries himself. To conclude, although there are instances where first impressions matter and needed to be taken into account, I strongly believe that it is always prudent to get to know a person better before jumping to a conclusion.

[Written by – Neha]

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — First Impression — The Importance and Role of the First Impression in My Life

The Importance of First Impressions in My Life

• Categories: First Impression

About this sample

Words: 448 |

Published: Oct 2, 2020

Words: 448 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited:

• Leder, M. (Director). (2000). Pay it Forward [Film]. Warner Bros. Pictures.

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First Impression Is Important IELTS Essay: Ace Your IELTS First Impression

• Updated On February 7, 2024
• Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Table of Contents

Acing the first impression in the IELTS essay task is easier said than done.

IELTS examiners read hundreds of essays daily and have a short attention span. Therefore, if you get the start right and leave a great impression for your First Impression is Important IELTS essay, you have already done a good job for the most part!

So, let’s walk you through some useful pointers to get a high score in the IELTS essay writing task!

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Tips to Leave a Lasting First Impression in IELTS Essay

• Don’t jump right in: You have to first stop and analyse what exactly the question is asking you to be then able to decide on a structure with a stellar introduction in coherence with the question. This first step should take about 5 mins to jot down all the key points.
• Give a broad but smart first line: Always start by giving a general statement that exactly points to the issue at hand. Don’t go into the specifics too soon. Then, you can state your position on the matter.
• Rely on your own knowledge: Don’t pick the words of the questions to form your sentences in the introduction. It can come at the cost of your dream band score. Using your own knowledge to reiterate what’s being asked in the question is a sign of good vocabulary knowledge and understanding the question well. Both these factors contribute to raising your band score.
• Give a preview of the essay ahead: In the introduction paragraph, you explain to the reader in just one line how you’ve structured your essay ahead. It boosts your readability giving you brownie points!
• Flaunt your vocabulary: IELTS essay task is meant for you to go big! You should make use of the most unique words that are relevant in your vocabulary right from the start to be sure to leave a great first impression on the reader. It’s also necessary to ensure correct diction usage here. 
• Go through it once done: When you are satisfied with your opening paragraph and main content, go back and re-read for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Proper usage of grammatical elements like pronoun, preposition, verbs, tenses, synonyms and antonyms, etc. is of grave importance.  

Sample Answer on First Impression is Important IELTS Essay

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First impressions are often considered to be important. Some people think that doing well in interviews is how you secure a good job. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give relevant examples wherever possible.

You should answer in at least 250 words. The ideal time limit for this task is 40 minutes.

Sample Answer

First impressions are often believed to form the backbone of whether or not an interviewer will deem you to be the right candidate for the role. However, some people insist that apart from the candidate’s first impression, many other criteria determine if the candidate is a good fit for the job. I agree with the latter statement and will put my points forth in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, a single meeting is not enough to gauge all the facets of someone’s personality that may be fruitful in helping the interviewer make the final call about accepting or rejecting the interviewee’s candidature. The first interview can surely help you understand a few parts of the interviewee’s personality, but not enough to make a final decision. For instance, an average job interview lasts between 30 to 45 mins, within which the interviewer can get to know about the current relevant degrees held by the interviewee, assess their body language, and discuss their personal interests and prior work experience. This discussion does not present a holistic opinion on the capabilities of the person that is needed to make the final judgement.

Furthermore, companies today conduct a series of interview rounds to test the candidate’s social and mental skills and together, all these rounds rank candidates. The best of whom lands the job! Most organisations lay emphasis on assessing the candidate’s logical reasoning and aptitude along with social skills to ensure that they will be able to mix up well and work with their colleagues. For instance, top-tier MNCs today subject their job applicants to many serious rounds of discussions and tests to be fully sure they are the right fit. First impressions do matter in the entire process but are not sufficient to help candidates secure the job.

To conclude, the perception that first impressions in an interview is enough to get you a good job is largely flawed, in my opinion. Elaborate discussions should be held over several meetings for the employer to then make the final employment call.

The way to score a high band score in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is through consistent practice. You must master the skill of developing an introductory paragraph and create a good first impression. The aim is to give a clear idea to the examiner about your excellent writing skills in English.

We hope this blog post gave you all the major pointers to help you leave that great first impression on the examiner.

For more tips on how to write winning IELTS essays on common themes, visit the Leap Scholar blogs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which words should be avoided in first impression is important ielts essay.

As a general thumb rule, you should avoid any words that have a negative connotation attached to them and can rub the examiner the wrong way. These words include all vocabulary related to putting forth an offensive statement that disrespects other people’s views on a topic. For instance, words like imbecile, nonsense, stupid, unlearned, etc., should be steered clear off.

What are some samples of the IELTS band 9 essay?

On the LeapScholar blog website, you can read the sample answers for a large number of  common themes  often asked in the IELTS Writing Task. These essays can get you a high band score (even as high as 9!). So, make sure to check them all out during your IELTS preparation.

How can I improve my writing skills for IELTSwriting task?

To improve your writing skills for this type of writing task, you need to follow all the above-mentioned tips to help you leave a great first impression on the IELTS examiner. Additionally, you should also work on updating your vocabulary with new words little by little.

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First Impressions

First Impression

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

Human beings are built to size each other up quickly. These first impressions are influenced by a number of factors, such as facial shape, vocal inflection, attractiveness , and general emotional state. People tend to get attached to their initial impressions of others and find it very difficult to change their opinion, even when presented with lots of evidence to the contrary.

As a result, it’s important to be aware of how one comes across to others during a first meeting. Then one can employ impression management skills—modulating any irritating traits and accentuating one's strengths—to ensure that people have a more favorable opinion of one. Everything from clothing style and posture to conversational topics can be adjusted to form a better first impression.

• Making a Good First Impression
• Understanding How Others See You

It takes a mere seven seconds to make a first impression. People thin-slice others based on how a person looks and sounds, more so than their explicit verbal statements. Often, someone's first impression is influenced by implicit attitudes of which they are unaware, which explains impulsive actions like giving special preference to those with physical beauty or more easily trusting a person who has a babyface. The observational powers (biases) of the observer are just as important as the qualities projected by the target, or person being judged, making these judgments a constant dance between objective information and selective signal-reading.

People will quickly judge others’ trustworthiness, physical strength, and intentions to do harm based on subtle facial and vocal cues. These traits may differ slightly across cultures; for example, some studies have found that Chinese societies form first impressions based on competence (i.e., perceptions of intelligence and social status) rather than on physical strength.

People tend to be self-critical after an initial conversation and wrongly assume they’ve made a bad first impression; experts call this tendency to underestimate one’s likeability the “liking gap.” People may also be fooled by the “spotlight effect,” which leads them to believe that others are hyper-focused on them, judging them for every imperfection, awkward question, or bad joke.

Using impression-management skills, you can modify the way you present yourself to influence other people’s perceptions of you. Pay attention to how you speak (whether you’re animated, express emotion , etc.), your facial expressions, your use of gestures, and your posture. Hone your storytelling skills, and show a genuine interest in what others have to say.

The term metaperception refers to how an individual interprets other people’s perceptions of them. Thinking highly of oneself is beneficial; those who believe they are viewed positively by others tend to have higher self-esteem . Most people's metaperceptions tend to be fairly accurate since individuals generally have a stable self-concept that governs how they act around others. For example, if we believe that we’re friendly and likable, we will be more likely to act, or continue to act, in a friendly manner toward strangers.

It can be off-putting when someone comes on too strong at first. Common mistakes include trying to reveal too much about yourself too soon, dominating the conversation, or placing unreasonable demands on other people you don’t know well. When it comes to first impressions, it’s best when the way you believe you are presenting yourself matches how others perceive you.

Metaperception has been widely studied within the realm of narcissism . Narcissists tend to view themselves as confident, agreeable, and friendly. Their high self-esteem may make them seem charming and attractive initially, although this first impression quickly sours . In time, people typically see through to how self-involved and smug narcissists truly are.

While it’s important to use attractive and appropriate photos on social media and online dating sites, we often judge strangers by what they write. Grammar and spelling errors in an online profile can make someone seem inattentive or less intelligent —and therefore less attractive.

When meeting other people for the first time, how should one behave to be liked?

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What does a can of biscuits have to do with prejudice?

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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think our first impression of someone is important, while others think we should not judge another person so quickly and should take our time to know them better. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model essay #1:, some people think our first impression of someone is important, while others think we should not judge another person so quickly and should take our time to know them better..

First impressions are often considered crucial in forming opinions about others. Some people argue that these initial perceptions are important, as they can be accurate indicators of a person's character. On the other hand, some believe that it is unfair to judge someone so quickly and that it is better to take the time to get to know them before forming an opinion.

Those who believe in the significance of first impressions argue that they provide valuable insights into a person's personality and behavior. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, their body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor can convey a great deal about their character. Therefore, it is argued that first impressions can be reliable indicators of a person's qualities.

Conversely, those who advocate for taking time to know someone before forming an opinion argue that first impressions can be misleading. They believe that people often put on a facade or may appear different in certain situations, which may not be a true reflection of their character. Therefore, it is unfair to judge someone based solely on their initial appearance or behavior.

In my opinion, while first impressions can provide some insights, it is important not to jump to conclusions too quickly. It is wise to give people the opportunity to demonstrate their true character over time. For instance, a person who may seem reserved at first might reveal themselves to be warm and friendly once you get to know them better.

In conclusion, while first impressions can offer some valuable information about a person, it is essential to take the time to get to know someone before forming a conclusive opinion. Building relationships based on genuine understanding and interaction is crucial in truly understanding others.

Model Essay #2:

Some people argue that the first impression of a person is essential in forming opinions about them, while others believe that it is unfair to judge someone so quickly and that it is better to take the time to get to know them before forming an opinion.

Proponents of the importance of first impressions argue that they can provide valuable insights into a person's character. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, their body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor can convey a great deal about their character. Therefore, it is argued that first impressions can be reliable indicators of a person's qualities.

On the other hand, those who advocate for taking time to know someone before forming an opinion argue that first impressions can be misleading. They believe that people often put on a facade or may appear different in certain situations, which may not be a true reflection of their character. Therefore, it is unfair to judge someone based solely on their initial appearance or behavior.

In my view, while it is important to consider first impressions, it is also crucial to give people the opportunity to demonstrate their true character over time. For instance, a person who may seem reserved at first might reveal themselves to be warm and friendly once you get to know them better. However, it is also important to acknowledge that first impressions can offer valuable initial insights into a person's character and behavior.

In conclusion, while first impressions can provide some valuable information about a person, it is essential to take the time to get to know someone before forming a conclusive opinion. Both first impressions and deeper understanding through time and interaction are important in forming a well-rounded view of others.

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Ielts essay # 1307 - our first impression of someone is important, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people think our first impression of someone is important, while others think we should not judge another person so quickly and should take our time to know them better. , discuss both these views and give your own opinion..

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Band 5+: Some people think our first impression of someone is important, while others think we should not judge another person so quickly and should take our time to get to know them better. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

First impression is unquestionably one of the most prevalent and worrying aspects in any society. Of course, nowadays appearance plays a crucial role almost in every field of an individual’s life. However, I believe it is not fair to judge other people without knowing them better.

On the one hand, one meeting is considered to be absolutely enough to make appropriate conclusions. Firstly, body movements and speech could literally give some information about human life and knowledge. Sometimes these characteristics could provide an individual’s competension in a specific field. Secondly, brushed teeth or tidy clothes correlate with a person’s organisation which is really crucial for some big companies. For example, corporations like Ryanair persist in an ideal appearance of their pilots’ uniform and wide smile of every member of the team due to the fact that they consider it to attract more customers.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

Generate a band-9 sample with your idea, overall band score, task response, coherence & cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, essays on the same topic:, some people think our first impression of someone is important, while others think we should not judge another person so quickly and should take our time to get to know them better. discuss both sides and give your opinion..

First impressions play a significant role in shaping our initial perceptions of others. While some argue that these impressions are important and should be given weight, others advocate for reserving judgment and taking the time to truly understand a person. This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that while first impressions are natural and […]

Opinions are divided on whether a first impression of people plays a significant role or not. While some argue it is of great importance, assessing personality is daunting and requires time to reach a conclusion, a sentiment I share. One might think first impressions are a core idea, impacting many aspects of life. Most people […]

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What You Need to Know About Making a Good Impression

We evolved to form snap judgments about who’s friend and who’s foe, but we need to be more evolved now.

Want to stay current with Arthur’s writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out.

A round this time every year, I dispense a lot of advice to my graduate students, most of whom are on the job market. I get questions such as “How do I find a job that perfectly matches my strengths?” (A: You won’t, so stop worrying about it.) Or “Should I take a job and live in a different city than my spouse?” (A: No.) And very typically, “How do I make a good impression in an interview?” (A: Read on.)

I find that some young people are extremely anxious about this last one, especially if they are naturally introverted and know it. They worry that their shyness makes them seem standoffish or uninterested; in an interview, of course, those traits can be deadly, so they are concerned that their introverted personality will hamstring their efforts.

Undeniably, first impressions are extremely powerful—in work, romance, friendship, and almost every other part of life. People make judgments based on information they process in a split second, below the level of consciousness. That does not mean, however, that anyone is doomed by a naturally serious demeanor, a taciturn disposition, or plain old nervousness. On the contrary, a little understanding of the science of first impressions can help anyone improve the ways they affect the brains of people they meet, and better understand others as well.

Arthur C. Brooks: How to be less busy and more happy

O ver millions of years , our biological ancestors evolved the ability to form first impressions in a fraction of a second. Neuroscientists have determined that people can by sight decide consistently in as little as 39 milliseconds whether someone is a threat or not. In other words, about three times faster than you can blink, your optical and limbic systems decide if another person might cause you harm. For humans to develop this ability through natural selection is logical; almost nothing rewards survival more than effective threat perception.

Close behind in speed, at 100 milliseconds, comes a consistent estimation of trustworthiness . Once again, this makes sense: You might not kill me outright, but I should still figure out if you’re trying to take advantage of me before I interact with you. (This rapid processing also involves, for example, how your brain decides whether to make direct eye contact with that person staring at you on the subway.) This aspect of threat perception reveals a significant difference between the sexes; when surveying a face that people generally judge to look trustworthy, women rate other women , in particular, as significantly more trustworthy than men do.

Honing our accuracy of perception for other traits such as competence, likability, aggressiveness, and attractiveness takes us longer, because we need more time to be confident in our judgments; quite commonly, our rapid initial judgments may be inconsistent with what we later decide. But when given enough time to consider observed behavior, some judgments, such as assessing a person’s competence , tend to update more slowly—especially when compared with how long we need in order to judge such traits as benevolence and integrity.

Megan Garber: The case for shyness

In sum, at an initial encounter between two people—which could be a job interview or a date—each person’s brain assesses the other person by answering at least three questions: Are you a threat? Can you be trusted? Are you competent? Within seconds, before either of you is even conscious of the fact, you might be ruled out as an employee or as a potential mate. No pressure!

You might be thinking that judgments made this quickly are open to a lot of error. After all, evolution should favor speed over accuracy, and tend to reward a negative snap judgment because it errs on the side of caution. The potential cost of incorrectly seeing someone as a threat is low, but the price of mistaking them as not a threat could be enormous.

Given this bias, it’s no surprise that first perceptions tend to be inaccurate. Researchers in 2010 asked participants in an experiment to view photos of strangers, and based on initial impressions, to judge aspects of their personality. The researchers found that their subjects claimed confidence in their judgments 70 to 80 percent of the time, but their actual accuracy was either modest or statistically nonexistent.

People may arrive at erroneous judgments about you for many different reasons. For example, if you’re nervous when first meeting, your facial expression and demeanor might not fairly represent your true character, intent, and competence. Tension might make you frown when you’re actually excited, or you might fumble your words when talking about a topic you know cold. This can elicit what is known as a fundamental attribution error , which occurs when an interlocutor attributes to your personality behavior that is conditioned more by the circumstances.

Read: When a job is just too much

S o much for how first impressions are formed, but what about how to control the impression you make? To come off well in an interview, the first objective is to project an expression and manner that is nonthreatening, trustworthy, and competent. Fortunately, a handy way to do just this is simply to look happy. Neuroscientists have shown that facial expressions interpreted as fear or anger will stimulate an observer’s amygdala, which arouses their alarm and suspicion. Scholars have likewise demonstrated in experiments that people with expressions seen as happy are judged to be more trustworthy and competent than those seen as disgusted.

So smile . By this advice, I do not mean that you should grin like Jack Nicholson in The Shining —that will light up your interviewer’s amygdala like a Christmas tree. The goal is to model what researchers call the Duchenne smile , which is associated with actual happiness. Not only does smiling like this denote a positive mood to others, but it also, scholars have shown , can reduce stress in you .

If this demeanor doesn’t come naturally, here’s a trick : Before your interview, spend a few seconds in the restroom with a pencil gripped horizontally between your molars. This will flex the muscles around your eyes, where happiness is actually perceived when you smile (rather than by the shape of your mouth).

This is not a global solution to a successful first impression, however. Research shows that although a relaxed smile is great for interviewing, it does not necessarily work for dating. Scholars writing in the journal Emotion in 2011 found that although straight men judge a happy expression as the most sexually attractive way for a woman to look, women say that it is one of the least attractive looks for a man. At a first meeting, then, men need to be sure whether they’re after a job or on a date.

Arthur C. Brooks: Jung’s five pillars of a good life

T here’s one more piece of advice I like to give my students. They may be interviewing for a job now, but before too long, they will be interviewing other people for a job. I recommend that they not trust their gut too much. Instead, I advise them to recall that first impressions evolved to be fast, not accurate. That’s great in an environment where strangers might pose a threat of violence or exploitation. But in a modern job interview, that inaccuracy simply means you’re likely to rule out a lot of great potential recruits.

In general, when first meeting someone, interrogate the signals you’re getting from your brain about the interviewee. You can still pay attention to what your gut says; you just don’t have to take it at its word. If something feels off, specifically ask yourself whether this person might be nervous or shy. Giving that extra consideration is the right thing to do—and you might discover a star whose reserved manner made others overlook their talent.

More From Forbes

Dunkey’s first game, ‘animal well,’ is the best reviewed pc game of 2024 so far.

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When YouTuber Dunkey announced he was getting into game production with a new publishing company, most people scoffed, as content creators getting into actual game creation or production usually does not go well, no matter how popular the creator (how’s Dr. Disrespects DEADROP going?). But Dunkey seems to have proven them all wrong with Animal Well, the publisher’s first game which is currently tied with one other title as the best-scored PC game of 2024.

Animal Well reviews have just dropped and it’s sitting at a 91 on Metacritic , tied with Tekken 8 for 2024’s highest score. Dunkey’s company is bigmode, and was only announced a year ago. “Our number one priority is to publish some of the very best games out there,” Dunkey said in the initial video debuting bigmode. While his fans received the news positively, the wider industry was skeptical of the sometimes-controversial YouTuber being able to pull this off in any meaningful capacity. Yet, here we are. A homerun at the first at-bat.

Of course Dunkey himself did not actually make Animal Well, but rather published it. Rather, Animal Well was made by one developer, Billy Basso. Basso even designed a custom engine for its release on Windows, PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

The scores are incredible. Here’s what some of the critics are saying about Animal Well:

• Destructoid (10/10) – “Animal Well is packed with more things to do and secrets to find than most other games.”
• Eurogamer (10/10) – “Explore a bright vision of subterranean nature in this astonishingly rich Metroidvania.”
• GameSpot (9/10) – “This is a game that's chock full of pleasant surprises, from the way its items forgo tradition in interesting ways to the visual design and sense of atmosphere generated by its bizarre, neon-soaked world.”
• PC Gamer (9/10) – “A sleep-destroying puzzle metroidvania of baffling depth, Animal Well may go down in history as one of the genre's best.”

Best Nintendo Switch Games: It’s Mario’s World, We’re Just Visiting

Just out of this world reviews for not just Dunkey’s first published game but one made by Basso as sole developer. A wild story here.

Whether Dunkey can maintain this level of quality, we’ll see. I mean there are a limited number of astonishingly good indie games out there, but clearly he had a great eye for working with Basso to release Animal Well, and I will certainly take his next published games seriously after this. Great work to…all two of them.

Follow me on Twitter , Threads , YouTube , and Instagram .

Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy .

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