5 things a recruiter thinks in the first seconds of meeting you

We have all heard how important first impressions are, especially when it comes to a job interview. Meeting a recruiter for the first time also brings forth certain feelings, judgments, and implicit biases. Just as you may be secretly judging the recruiter, a recruiter is also forming opinions about you within the first seconds of meeting you. 

If we understand what opinions others may form about us, the better prepared we can be to influence these opinions to our benefit.

This article will give you insight into things a recruiter thinks in the first seconds of meeting you and how you can take advantage of this.

Five things a recruiter thinks in the first seconds of meeting you

At the conclusion of a Princeton University study, psychologist Alex TodorovKnowing what biases may come into play, we can prepare for them and move these opinions to a favorable decision.

1. A recruiter determines your attractiveness

Whether you want to believe it or not, but your attractiveness is judged within the first seconds of meeting someone. This doesn’t mean you’re doomed for failure if you’re not a Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie lookalike.

However, it’s vital to put your best self forward. To give yourself the best chance at success, dress professionally, and avoid giving off the appearance that you live in your car. 

2. A recruiter judges your likability 

Being likable can be achieved by making eye contact with the recruiter, presenting yourself with a smile, and shaking their hand when we get out of this Covid-19 pandemic.

Use this impression to show you are a happy, optimistic person rather than a grump with a frown.

3. Recruiters judge your trustworthiness

Trustworthiness can be a difficult aura to give off. However, with a smile and professional demeanor, you can give an excellent first impression.

If you look like someone who wants to steal their wallet, your trustworthy score may take a hit.

4. A recruiter determines your competence

Again, this can be another ambiguous judgment, but it is based on what you present during a first impression. By dressing the part, another critical component is to speak with confidence.

Competence is measured by your ability to understand and properly act on information, so your ability to communicate clearly is one of the first steps. Know what you are going to say before you say it.

5.  Your aggressiveness is judged

Last but not least, a recruiter evaluates your aggressiveness within the first few seconds of meeting you. If you yell at them in a loud tone and provide a bone-crushing handshake, this can be a negative sign.

There is a fine line between aggressiveness and confidence. Be sure to understand this before you meet with a recruiter.

Putting it all together

With these five first impressions in mind, give yourself the best chance of a favorable opinion about you by:

• Dressing professionally
• Smiling
• Displaying a happy and optimistic attitude
• Speaking clearly
• Making eye contact

By acting on these steps the first time you meet a recruiter, you will have the ability to positively influence their opinion and land that high paying job.