Latest news with #firstimpression
The Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Psychologist reveals how to walk in, sit and what to say in ANY job interview… and 4-second rule for a big advantage
I THINK we can all agree - job interviews are nerve-wracking. Psychologist Ian MacRae tells The Sun exactly how to walk in, sit down, and the golden words to say in any interview. 3 Because - as the UK's job market continues to weaken and wages remain stagnant - it's never felt more important to nail that first impression. How to walk in "Be confident when you enter, and when you are speaking - but don't be overconfident or aggressive when the other person is speaking," says MacRae, a member of the British Psychological Society. "Aim to be confident in your own approach and your own answers without dominating the conversation." While humbleness is generally considered a good quality - and is absolutely necessary in some jobs, such as caring roles - it's not a good idea to talk down your achievements. "False humility is rarely well received," explains MacRae. "If you're talking about your accomplishments, be confident about them." There is a balance to be struck between being confident and warm. Confidence can easily be mistaken for cockiness if it's overdone, according to MacRae. "Research shows both confidence and warmth significantly improve social perceptions, so don't overdo the confidence so much that you fail to listen to the other person, or respond to them respectfully," he says. "Show that you're confident you can do the job, but that you're receptive to learning." Anger is a natural response to seeing an ex move on and have a baby, says tv psychologist 3 How you should sit Now you might not think you need tips on something as simple as sitting in a chair - but posture is important. According to MacRae, "it influences both how you are seen and how you feel". To really give off the best impression, MacRae suggests relaxing your shoulders, keeping your feet grounded and your hands visible. Try not to hunch forward. With your hands visible, you may be less likely to fidget. If you tend to fidget, don't take along props that you are more likely to fidget with. Ian MacRaePsychologist Most people fidget, especially when they're nervous. But "pronounced, loud and exaggerated" fidgeting can be a distraction to an interviewer, according to MacRae. "If you tend to fidget, don't take along props that you are more likely to fidget with," he says. "The last thing you want to be doing is spinning around a vape pen or constantly checking a mobile phone during an interview - this goes for remote interviews too. "If you tend to fidget, be very careful what you place around you on the desk. If your hands need to be busy, take notes." MacRae also suggests modelling your posture on whoever is interviewing you - without being an obvious copycat, of course. "Generally, when you are attentive to the other person's body language, you naturally mimic it to a certain degree," he says. "So don't consciously try to mirror their actions but pay attention to their posture, facial expressions and body language to pick up more clues and context about the questions they are asking." 3 The advert trick Now nobody can tell you what to say to win over an interviewer - not even ChatGPT. But there are some golden phrases you can use, quietly given to you by the hiring company through the form of a job advert. "Good job adverts - not all adverts - will give you some important clues and keywords about what matters," explains MacRae. "Learn the keywords and what they are often code for." Though preparation goes a long way in an interview. The best thing you can do is to demonstrate that you understand what's required for the role, what kind of challenges there will be, and that you have the capacity to solve those problems. As MacRae notes, there is no "set of magic words" that is going to secure you a job offer. But preparing some general talking points and questions relevant to the job will put you in better stead. "The best thing you can do is to demonstrate that you understand what's required for the role, what kind of challenges there will be, and that you have the capacity to solve those problems," MacRae adds. "Asking questions that demonstrate you understand what is required in the role can really help." These days, people have to go through multiple rounds of interviews to land a job offer. Another tip up MacRae's sleeve is to ask the recruiter what the next interviewer is looking for. "They'll often tell you," he says. "And that can really help you prepare. Write down what they tell you." MacRae continues: "If they can't or won't tell you, that's also an important piece of information if they don't really know what they're looking for." Try to practice common interview questions with a friend or family member to make any surprise questions feel less intimidating. The 4-second rule It's the big day - you've done all the preparation you can, all you need to do now is walk into the job interview and shine. But those pesky nerves creep in, and you're afraid your mind might go blank at a crucial moment. According to MacRae, mental prep helps just as much as prior notetaking about the role. He suggests a simple four-second rule that can help "reset your system" by quickly slowing your heart rate and lowering your cortisol - the stress hormone. "There is strong evidence that techniques like box breathing works, in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4," says MacRae. "Just a few rounds before the interview can help you relax." If you want this technique to be really effective - it's best to start practising it now. "The more you practise calming techniques before you need them, the easier they are to activate under pressure," MacRae explains.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 ChatGPT Prompts To Make A Formidable First Impression In Business
5 ChatGPT prompts to make a formidable first impression in business First impressions stick forever. Especially in business. The person you're about to meet could be your next biggest client, superfan or dream collaborator. But only if you click. Only if they think you're someone worth paying attention to. What if the right preparation could transform how others see you from the moment you meet? Come across as confident, articulate and capable. Someone who exudes success without trying too hard. ChatGPT can help. Copy, paste and edit the square brackets in ChatGPT, and keep the same chat window open so the context carries through. First impressions happen before you say a word. Your energy, posture and confidence set the tone for everything that follows. Your mental state radiates outward and people sense it instantly. Confidence is contagious but so is nervousness. Research shows adopting certain poses for just two minutes can significantly increase confidence hormones. Preparation rituals prime you for success. 'I need to make a strong first impression at [describe your upcoming business meeting, event or interaction]. Based on what you know about effective presence, create a 10-minute pre-meeting ritual that includes: 1. Three power poses I can do privately before arriving. 2. A simple breathing technique to center myself. 3. Three powerful affirmations tailored to my specific situation. 4. One visualization exercise to mentally rehearse success. Format this as a step-by-step plan I can follow just before the meeting. Ask for more detail if required.' What you wear tells a story. That story should align perfectly with how you want others to perceive you. Your appearance works as visual shorthand, communicating volumes before conversation begins. Underdressing and overdressing both send messages. Your goal is hitting the sweet spot where you look effortlessly appropriate for the context. 'I need to choose an outfit for [describe the specific business situation]. Based on what you know about appearance psychology and professional dress, help me: 1. Select the ideal color palette to convey [confidence/ approachability/ authority/ creativity]. 2. Identify the perfect balance between formal and casual for this specific context. 3. Suggest one signature accessory or element that will make me memorable. 4. List three things to absolutely avoid wearing in this situation. 5. Create a quick checklist for final appearance check before I leave. Consider the industry norms, my goals for the interaction, and psychology of first impressions. Ask for more detail if required.' Small talk is the gateway to meaningful connection. Amateurs rush through it, eager to get to "important" matters. This misses the point entirely. These opening moments establish rapport, reveal shared interests, and build the foundation for everything that follows. The right conversation starters create space for genuine connection while subtly highlighting your strengths. 'I'm attending [describe your upcoming business situation]. Based on what you know about effective business conversation starters, create: 1. Three unique opening lines that demonstrate both confidence and interest. 2. Four thoughtful questions that invite meaningful responses while subtly highlighting my expertise. 3. Three elegant ways to transition from small talk to business matters. 4. Two techniques for active listening that will make the other person feel valued. 5. Three phrases to avoid that might undermine my credibility. Tailor these to the specific context and type of person I'll be meeting. Ask for more detail if required.' Your business pitch should sound unrehearsed yet precise. Practiced but not mechanical. Like natural conversation while hitting every key point effortlessly. Even when I sold my company, the conversations that led to the deal never felt like pitches. They felt like exchanges between equals who recognized mutual value. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what you offer and why it matters. Answer questions before they're asked. 'I need to introduce myself and my business to [describe the specific person or group]. Based on what you know about effective pitches, create: 1. A 30-second personal introduction that establishes credibility without bragging. 2. A 60-second explanation of what my business does, focusing on the problem we solve. 3. One compelling statistic or fact that demonstrates our value. 4. A subtle way to address the most common objection people have: [outline the objection]. 5. A natural-sounding closing that invites further conversation without seeming pushy. Format this as conversational language that sounds unrehearsed. Ask for more detail if required.' How you leave is as important as how you arrive. The perfect exit leaves the other person wanting more of your time and attention. It signals that you value the connection while respecting everyone's time. Your departure should feel like a pause, not an ending. Memorable people know exactly when to leave the conversation. 'I need to gracefully exit conversations at [describe your business event or meeting]. Based on what you know about creating positive last impressions, provide: 1. Four elegant phrases to naturally conclude a conversation that's run its course. 2. Three ways to exchange contact information that feel natural, not forced. 3. Two techniques for setting up a clear next step if the conversation has potential. 4. Three body language cues that signal respect while disengaging. 5. One memorable final line that will make them remember our interaction positively. Make these appropriate for my industry and situation. Ask for more detail if required.' Be liked, valued and remembered when you make a great first impression. Power up your presence, dress for success, open well, organise the pitch like a pro, and leave them wanting more. Your next introduction could lead to your biggest opportunity. But only if you make the right impression. Take control of how others see you from the first moment. The results will speak for themselves. Access all my best ChatGPT personal brand prompts.
