We’ve all heard that first impressions matter, right? Well, they do! When someone is actively searching for a new career, it is important to note that first impressions in interviews are crucial to success. You only get one first impression, after all. Whether it’s through a LinkedIn connection, a first interview, a networking interaction, or an introduction from a colleague, you want to make sure you leave a memorable, lasting first impression. Every touchpoint tells a story.
These impressions matter, especially when you’re job hunting. Before you ever shake a hand or join a video call, employers are already forming opinions based on what they’ve seen, read, or heard. The good news? You have more control over that story than you might think. Here’s how to make those first moments count!
Resume First Impressions
Resumes are the first thing a recruiter or interviewer sees, and they look for specific things within each document. When writing your resume, make sure it is easy to read, organized, distraction-free, and cohesive. Your resume is your opportunity to highlight your achievements and accomplishments, while also showcasing your prior experience and background. This is where descriptive details come into play.
Your resume may be viewed before you even meet a future employer, so make sure it counts. The best way to format a resume is to list your name and contact information at the top, followed by your education. This would also be the place to add your LinkedIn page, portfolio link, or any other external documents. From there, list prior experience from newest/current to oldest. This makes it easier for the recruiter or interviewer to scan the resume without having to search extensively. It’s also best not to include a photo on a resume unless requested.
Strengthening Your Resume Content
Once the prior career histories have been outlined, list specific duties and responsibilities within the role. Highlight your achievements, projects, or promotions to provide a more detailed and well rounded view of your history. Bullet points are typically used to highlight specific aspects of the responsibilities. Additionally, make sure to include the years/time worked at the company or role. From here, you can also add specific skillsets, certifications, or honors that you have received within your career. You can list your strengths, best-used skills, and more. Your resume is meant to summarize your career in one document, so make sure it counts! For more information on writing your resume, check out our blog on 8 Ways to Design a Better Resume.
Face-to-Face First Impressions
Interviews
Making it to a round of face-to-face interviews is big! It means the company is excited to learn more about you beyond what’s on your resume. This stage allows them to get a better sense of your personality, communication style, body language, and how you present your self overall, not just your skills on paper.
Before even stepping into an interview, it is important to note that you may be meeting with your future employers. So naturally, you want to ‘wow!’ them with your skills, experiences, and conversations. When meeting for a first interview, it is best to dress to impress. Typically, professional or formal attire is expected. A few great examples of clothing pieces to wear include blazers, slacks, fitted blouses and button-ups, suits, long skirts, ties, polished shoes, etc. This shows the interviewer that you put in the time and thought about what to wear, and that you know how to achieve a polished, professional look.
Additionally, it is best to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for an interview. This shows that you are punctual and dependable. It’s best to search for the building’s location, how long the commute is, where to park, whether there is a parking cost, which suite the office is in, before the day of your interview. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. First impressions in interviews are crucial.
Body Language and Presence
When interviewing, make sure you give your full attention to the person you are interviewing with. Eye contact, shoulders facing front, and good posture show that you are engaged and interested. If you are slouching in your chair or avoiding eye contact or cues, it can signal to the interviewer that your attention isn’t directed towards them and that you are distracted. Body language is easily read, so make sure your body language mirrors the interviewer’s. It can also convey your emotions and feelings about a topic, whether through hand motions or facial expressions. This is something others can easily pick up on and form an impression of.
Networking First Impressions
The more connections you make, the more your chances of landing an interview with a company. Handing out business cards, connecting on LinkedIn, or exchanging emails are great ways to network and build connections. However, when you attend a networking event, make sure that you put your best foot forward. Dress professionally, yet approachable. You want to feel confident in the outfit you are wearing and be comfortable approaching strangers to form connections. Having a friendly demeanor, and an upbeat smile and attitude shows others that you are open to new conversations. Also, come prepared for your event. As mentioned above, body language can set the tone for a first impression. When networking in a group, focus on the person you are speaking with, maintain eye contact, and stay attentive.
Digital First Impressions
Digital First ImpressionsTechnology has expanded over the past years, and practically everything can be found online. Whether through social media platforms, texting, calling, email, or other channels, it is essential to remain professional in one’s public digital profile. Companies can quickly search for someone based on their digital history. It’s essential to note digital etiquette and what to avoid. Let’s break it down.
Social Media
We all know that every person on the internet has a digital footprint and follows us wherever we go. Post a bad picture from 2015? Leave a questionable comment on someone’s page? Companies and interviewers can see the scattered footprints, even if the person who left them thought they were gone. Your social media presence can can shape employers’ first impressions.
For example, a LinkedIn page should be professional and simplistic. The profile picture should be clear and visible while maintaining a professional appearance. Additionally, the ‘about’ section should be truthful, easy to read, and highlight your accomplishments and successes. When listing current or previous job experiences, make sure to include the company and prior role. You want your prior experiences to align with your resume and LinkedIn profile; if an interviewer sees something that doesn’t line up, they may ask questions.
Phone Calls
The first few moments of a phone interview often sets the tone for the entire conversation. This includes tone of voice, word choice, attitude, and speech rate. Always answer a phone call in a friendly and professional manner and make sure to enunciate words. As the interviewer or recruiter reviews your resume, make sure you have answers prepared just in case. This can include easy-to-pull answers, examples, and experiences. Even if it is a simple phone call, you want to be as readily prepared as if you were attending an in-person interview.
Emails
Email etiquette can start from the first ‘Hello’, and first impressions can even be made from your email address. When actively searching for jobs, make sure your email is appropriate, relevant, and to the point. You want to have a friendly opening and closing to the message. When crafting the message, make sure to use complete sentences with correct and appropriate punctuation.
Emails can be a great way to show personality and tone, but keep exclamation marks to a minimum. The same goes for emojis; it’s best not to include them in a professional email. When concluding the message, use a friendly ending. A few good examples are finishing with ‘Best’, ‘Kind regards’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Have a great day’, etc. After an interview, it’s a good idea to send a follow-up thank-you email to the interviewer for meeting with you. This shows you are actively interested in the role and company, and you enjoyed connecting with them.
Virtual Meetings
In today’s world, much of our communication happens online, allowing people to connect and meet virtually with ease. Interviewers may like to use various virtual platforms to meet with individuals from the comfort of their own space. However, these first impressions are still crucial.
When virtually meeting with a company, it is essential to look well-groomed and well-dressed. Even though the interview isn’t in person, it should still be treated with the same level of professionalism. This can include wearing professional attire, having a well-lit, transparent background with minimal distractions, showing appropriate body language, and more. The most professional and impressionable virtual setting could be an in-home office, a clean kitchen table or desk, or even a quiet spot within one’s living space.
Your full attention should be on the video call, with minimal distractions. Face the screen, sit up straight, and stay actively engaged throughout the conversation. If the person being interviewed is lounging on their couch in a sweatshirt, with lots of background noise, the interviewer will note this and may deem it ‘distracted’ or ‘unprofessional’. It is essential to engage in the conversation, maintain an upbeat attitude, and be well prepared. For tips on preparing for a virtual interview, check out our blog, How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview.
Why First Impressions Matter
Why First Impressions MatterFirst impressions happen fast and tend to last. Whether it’s over the phone, through an email, in an interview, or at a networking event, you usually only get one chance to make a strong first impression. Regardless of the in-person, virtual, or at-home setting, first impressions in interviews carry through to all spaces. From your first “Hello” to your final “Goodbye,” it’s important to leave a lasting impression with the interviewer or company. Since you’re competing with other candidates, standing out can make all the difference in landing the role.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my first impression last?
First impressions in interviews can be either memorable or forgettable. This is why a clear-cut resume, appearance, professionalism, and attitude can help you stand out against other applicants within the job search. The best way to make a good first impression on an interviewer or company is to show up early to the interview dressed in professional attire. Have your resume ready and in hand, be polite over the phone and via email, and carry yourself well throughout the conversation.
What should I wear to an interview?
In this article, we have listed a few examples of what is best to wear to an interview. The examples include outfits for different seasons and the interview setting. Blazers, blouses, and button-ups are always a good choice, and slacks and skirts pair well with them. For men, wearing a full suit or a sport jacket is often the most professional option. However, you still want to be comfortable and confident within your outfit. The more confident you feel, the more confident you look. Here are some examples for men on what to wear to an interview.
Why do first impressions matter if my resume speaks for itself?
Yes, your resume does speak for itself, but you are more than just what’s on the paper. A resume shows what you’ve done, but interviews and conversations show who you are, your personality, and attitude. While companies are looking for the right fit for the open role, they are also seeking a cultural fit within the group. First impressions in interviews help them decide if you’re that person.
Written by Morgan Kastelan
Sales and Recruiting Coordinator at Chief of Staff KC
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