Ten Tips / First impressions (part 1)

Photo Robyn Von Swank via Agent Lover (hi, love you)

When I started looking for a nanny, I posted an ad encouraging them to write to me telling me about themselves. I was expecting personal emails about their love of animals, music, films & art. I received lots of applications, but in most of them, all they could come up with was stuff about their degrees, courses & previous jobs... Most of these girls are between 20 and 25 years old, so pretty young. They didn't let go, or even try to. All their declarations about "loving kids & having fun" seemed fake because the letters put the emphasis on all things serious. As if all that defined them was their work / studies. So I tried to remember... What was I like when I was 20? What defined me? I suppose like them I didn't really know who I was, so I would hide behind my occupation. It got me thinking about how to introduce yourself & make a good impression.

❤ Be yourself

I know I repeat it all the time on this blog, but the best way to make a good impression when you introduce yourself is... Come on I bet you can guess... Just to be yourself! I know this seems like the easy answer, but you'd be surprised how many things become easier if you just act normal & like yourself instead of trying too hard.

❤ Talk about a familiar subject

If there is something you are passionate about, make sure you angle the conversation towards it. It will put you at ease and make you sound really confident and interesting. Also, you might well teach something to whoever you are talking to at the time.

❤ Don't waste your time

You have about 3 seconds to make a first impression on someone. So check your posture, your nails, your clothes beforehand. If you are writing an email, make sure the first few lines get them hooked straight away. This is the most important moment to impress someone. Three seconds. It is so short that it is easy to be totally and utterly amazing for 3 seconds.

❤ Adapt to the situation

Thanks to this great tool called "the brain", humans are able to assess situations quickly. So do it! And adapt your behaviour. Really formal job interview? Summon the serious you. First date? Charming you. Photoshoot? Over the top you... You get it, right?

❤ Listen!

This tip sounds silly, doesn't it? Well, you'd be surprised how many people I meet ask questions without listening for the answer at all. I tend to dismiss them and file them under "douche bag". Not that I always listen, mind you, but I try my best, especially when meeting someone for the first time.

Now, people, I expect you to practice those, and stay tuned for part 2, next week!

xx