How to Make a Great Second First Impression

If first impressions were totally accurate, then everybody would either be geniuses or felons.

After all, how many times have you met somebody and made a snap judgment, only to realize later your first impression was wrong?

Still, much emphasis is placed on first meetings. First interviews, as one might guess, are exceedingly important - mainly because that is how second interviews and jobs are landed.

But what if your first interview - your first impression with the hiring manager - was only just good enough to land a second? What if, after your post-interview analyzing, you knew you didn't present yourself the way you wanted?

Thankfully, there are ways to recoup. Here are three:

1) Reminder of first interview. Reference a positive or two from your first interview and build upon that foundation to make a great second first impression. Try not to remind the interviewer about any negatives or misfires. Pointing out only positives allows you to engage in a bit of revisionist history - the interviewer will actually begin thinking your first impression was fantastic. If the hiring manager asks for clarification on a negative or two from your first interview, however, place it in a positive light. Or refer to #3 (below).

2) Reference commonalities. A great way to sweep a less-than-stellar first impression under the rug is to build rapport by mentioning a few things you have in common with the interviewer. This will help the hiring manager like you - and make your second first impression stellar. And, like #1 (above), it leads the interviewer to actually believe your first impression was a good one. If noting what you have in common doesn't seem to work, however, refer to #3 (next item below).

3) Apologize with a joke. A mild self-depreciating joke and a very brief apology works wonders whether you're in a second interview, or just started one off badly. It's also a safe go-to if all else fails. Saying, "I'm sorry, I'm having a junior moment" with a smile can help show your sense of humor and humility. Humor - in addition to helping build rapport - is also a sign of intelligence. Humility demonstrates your self-awareness. Hiring managers like to hire self-aware, intelligent and likable job candidates - even if it's from the second first impression.

IN A NUTSHELL: To make a positive second first impression, reference positives from the first interview, note what you and the interviewer have in common and mildly joke about it.