Communication style outweighs resume content in workplace first impressions, analysis finds
To make a good impression at work, it might be better to spend less time polishing your resume and more time honing your communication skills. That's according to a large analysis of more than 200 studies showing that the first impressions people make at work are largely based on verbal and nonverbal communication styles, with substantive content—like the experience shown on a resume—accounting…
First impressions in the workplace are primarily shaped by communication style and physical appearance, rather than the substance of a person's experience or qualifications as shown on a resume, according to a comprehensive analysis of over 200 studies. These findings, published in the journal Personnel Psychology, indicate that initial impressions formed in less than a minute can significantly influence key decisions such as mentorship and promotions, even lingering for weeks.
The research, led by Professor Brian Swider of the University of Florida, debunks the notion that content cues, like the information on a resume, hold greater sway over how others perceive new colleagues. Instead, the study highlights the importance of controlling impressions through effective communication and suggests that employers should structure evaluations to mitigate the impact of subjective judgments.
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