On the way to a professional career, it is not uncommon to make mistakes related to a negative first impression. However, it is important to realise that the first instant thought does not define who you really are. Here are a few tips to help you navigate and correct a less-than-perfect first impression:
- self-assessment and preparation: analyse what went wrong and prepare for future interactions by emphasising your strengths;
- correcting mistakes: resolve misunderstandings by reaching out to people, clarifying and correcting any errors;
- showcasing strengths: emphasise your achievements and abilities to redirect attention to your positive qualities;
- express empathy and openness: acknowledge the possibility of misconceptions about you and express your willingness to sincerely prove that previous conclusions about you are wrong;
- time and consistency: be patient and demonstrate consistency in your actions to gradually change perceptions over time.
So, although a negative first impression can be a challenge in the beginning, it is not insurmountable!
The information was prepared based on the materials of Jobzilla UA.