We’ve all been there — sitting nervously in the waiting room before a job interview, heart racing, palms a little sweaty. That blend of excitement and anxiety is a clear sign that the moment matters — and it does.
Studies*¹ show that interviewers often form strong opinions within the first few minutes. That’s why making a great first impression is so critical.
In this post, we’ll cover five simple, practical & memorable ways to stand out during your interview — in the best possible way.
It's important to remember that while these are general tips and often helpful, their true effectiveness depends on how well you align your presentation with the organization's culture.
1. Make a Difference in Preparation
Preparation is more than just knowing what the company does.
- Learn about their recent news, mission, and values.
- Check out the interviewer’s background on LinkedIn or the company site, if available.
- Prepare insightful questions that reflect your interest and understanding.
- Practice your responses to common questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Being well-prepared shows you care — and that you're serious about the opportunity.
2. The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
What you don’t say can be just as important as what you do say. It is generally agreed upon that first impressions are rapidly formed and are heavily influenced by non verbal factors. *²
- Eye contact: Maintain steady (but not intense) eye contact to show confidence.
- Posture: Sit up straight and be attentive.
- Handshake: If culturally appropriate, offer a firm and confident handshake.
- Body language: Use open gestures and smile when appropriate.
- Dress: Look professional and dress in a way that aligns with the company culture.
Your presence should speak before you do.
3. Ask Memorable Questions
Skip the generic “What’s a typical day like?” and go for questions that make the interviewer think.
Examples:
- “What are the top priorities for someone in this role in their first 90 days?”
- “What are your company’s biggest goals over the next 5 years, and how does this role contribute to them?”
- “How would you describe the dynamics of the team I’d be working with?”
Thoughtful questions reflect preparation, curiosity, and strategic thinking.
4. Tell Stories, Don’t Just Give Answers
Don’t just say “I’m a problem-solver” — show it with a short, clear story.
Using the STAR*³ method is generally a safe bet;
- Situation: Brief context
- Task: What needed to be done
- Action: What you did
- Result: What happened because of your actions
People remember stories more than facts — so use yours to highlight your strengths.
5. Leave a Professional Follow-Up
After the interview, your impression continues.
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Reaffirm your interest in the role.
- Mention something specific from your conversation to make it personal.
- Keep it brief and professional.
(Optional: In certain industries, a handwritten note can leave a lasting impression.)
First impressions really do matter — but they’re also something you can shape intentionally. With a little extra preparation and a few smart strategies, you can walk into your next interview with confidence and leave a memorable impression.
Further Reading:
Willis, J., & Todorov, A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17(7), 592–598
2- DeGroot, T., & Weiner, J. A. (2009). The other half of the interview: Nonverbal communication. Journal of Employment Counseling, 46(1), 3–11.
3-Connelly, M. S., & Maurer, S. D. (2015). The interview handbook: Job-winning techniques for every career seeker. Career Press.
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