A first impression may sound like a non-technical topic, but it is nevertheless critical in the workplace—not only for financial executives, but for professionals at every level.

I do not claim to be a professional groomer or personal image expert; I, too, am still a “work in progress.” But over the years, I have come to appreciate how quickly people form opinions about someone they meet for the first time. Whether we like it or not, others judge us based on very limited initial information. Sometimes, that first impression influences how they perceive us long after the initial meeting has ended.

In a face-to-face encounter, much of this judgment is visual. Before we even have the opportunity to demonstrate our knowledge, experience, or competence, people observe how we present ourselves. Grooming, attire, posture, facial expression, and even the way we enter a room communicate something about us.

This does not mean wearing expensive clothes, carrying designer bags, or owning costly shoes. Professional appearance is not about price—it is about appropriateness, neatness, and attention to detail.

Clean, well-fitted, wrinkle-free clothes in well-chosen colors, polished shoes, neat hair, tasteful makeup, and an overall well-groomed appearance make a significant difference. In my younger days working at a bank, we were required to wear light makeup because it projected a more professional image—it was even part of our performance rating. These seemingly small details convey discipline, organization, self-respect, and respect for those we meet.

Once we start speaking, auditory and behavioral impressions take over. Do we speak clearly? Do we listen, or do we dominate the conversation? Do we maintain eye contact? Do we appear confident without being arrogant?

A person may be impeccably dressed, but if they cannot communicate ideas clearly, fail to listen, or speak without substance, that favorable visual impression quickly evaporates. In the professional world, appearance may open the door, but competence, character, and communication determine whether that positive impression lasts.

The digital workplace has further changed how first impressions are formed. What happens when our initial encounter with someone is through an online meeting? Today, many virtual calls do not require participants to turn on their cameras. Without visual cues, people form an impression almost entirely from our voice and communication style.

How do we sound when we introduce ourselves? Is our voice confident and pleasant? Do we speak too fast or too slowly? Do we interrupt others? More importantly, is there substance in what we say? In an online meeting, even a few sentences reveal quite a lot.

A person who speaks concisely and thoughtfully creates an immediate impression of competence. Someone who listens carefully and responds directly to the issue projects confidence and preparedness. When the camera is turned on, our surroundings become part of that first impression, too. We do not need an elaborate home office or an expensive background—a clean, orderly setting, proper lighting, appropriate attire, and professional posture are usually enough.

We often equate “making a good first impression” solely with dressing well, but that view is too narrow. A good first impression is a holistic combination of appearance, communication, behavior, competence, and attitude. You may dress simply but appropriately and impress people with your warmth and intelligence. You may not be the most eloquent speaker in the room, but people will remember that you listened carefully and treated everyone respectfully.

Of course. First impressions are not always accurate, and we must be careful not to judge others too quickly. Someone may appear quiet because they are nervous, or seem unfriendly because they are preoccupied with a personal concern. A person who dresses casually may turn out to be far wealthier than someone styled like a billionaire.

I learned this lesson early in my career. At 26, I was an assistant manager at a financial institution in Cebu. One day, a man walked in wearing rugged pants and a simple T-shirt. Based on his appearance, I politely asked him to wait at the counter while I invited another person—whom I assumed was a high-value client—to sit at my desk. Imagine my surprise when I later discovered that the casually dressed man had come to deposit a substantial sum of money, which he was carrying in a bayong, our traditional native woven bag!

That experience stayed with me. It taught me that while first impressions are inevitable, they are not always accurate and should never become permanent judgments. Appearance tells us something about a person, but it certainly does not tell us everything.

Perhaps that is the dual lesson of first impressions: we should be mindful of the impression we create, but equally cautious about the judgments we make. Still, knowing that people naturally form quick opinions, there is wisdom in presenting the best and most authentic version of ourselves from the start.

This is not about pretending to be somebody we are not, nor is it about vanity. It is about being conscious of the signals we send to others. After all, we may not always get a second chance to make a first impression. The best first impression is not merely one that impresses—it is one that remains consistent with who we truly are.

And perhaps that is the real challenge for all of us who remain a work in progress.