How To Ace Any Interview (Part 1) – The First Impression

Your interview begins long before your first question. In reality, the first 7 seconds — or even the first 1/10th of a second — can shape the interviewer’s entire perception of you. Fortunately, great first impressions aren’t about being perfect; they’re about being prepared, intentional, and aware of the psychology that underpins human connection.

This guide breaks down the essential interview etiquette and communication techniques that career coaches teach candidates to help them walk into every interview calm, confident, and compelling.

How To Make a Strong First Impression at Job Interviews

Interview etiquette isn’t complicated — but under pressure, many people get it wrong. Here’s how to set yourself up for success from the moment you arrive.

1. Present a Professional Image

• Dress intentionally: Choose clean, tailored, well-pressed clothing. Match the style of your interviewer — whether corporate, business casual, or smart-creative. When in doubt, go slightly more polished.
• Groom with care: Neat hair, clean nails, fresh breath, and a tidy overall appearance signal reliability and self-respect.
• Arrive 5–10 minutes early: Early enough to show respect, not so early you create awkward pressure for your interviewer.
• Put your phone away: Switch it off. No exceptions. You're signalling total focus.
• Be organised: Carry your documents in a simple, neat portfolio — not crumpled papers from your handbag or car seat.

2. Your Grand Entrance

Your entrance sets the tone. Before you’ve even spoken, you’re being evaluated on body language and presence.

• Walk with confidence: Chin up, shoulders back, open posture.
• Give a perfect handshake: Firm, warm, dry, 2–3 seconds. It should say “I’m confident”, not “I’m here to crush you”.
• Smile — genuinely: A warm smile conveys approachability and trustworthiness.
• Greet everyone: From the receptionist to the hiring manager. People talk — and impressions spread.
• Use names: Make a mental note of each interviewer’s name and use it naturally during conversation.

3. Mastering the Conversation

The moment the conversation begins, your communication style becomes centre stage. Here's what top candidates do well:

✔ Maintain balanced eye contact

Too little looks nervous. Too much looks intense. Think confident, engaged, and natural.

✔ Listen like you mean it

Nod, respond affirmatively, and show you're absorbing information — not waiting for your turn to talk.

✔ Speak clearly and don’t interrupt

Use professional language, speak slightly slower, and pause briefly before answering questions.

Aim for answers that run about two minutes — long enough to provide substance, short enough to stay sharp.

4. BONUS: How To Sound Confident (Even if You’re Nervous)

Your voice reveals everything — confidence, anxiety, certainty, hesitation. Here’s how to make it work for you.

• Pause before answering: A 5-second pause feels long to you, but to an interviewer it reads as calm, thoughtful, and intelligent.
• Practise aloud: Rehearse common interview answers so they flow naturally.
• Reduce filler words: “Umm, uhh, like, you know...” instantly weaken your authority.
• Use an interested tone: Vary your pitch. Don’t drone or end sentences like questions.
• Control your volume: Loud enough to be understood, never loud enough to overwhelm.
• Emphasise key words: This helps your message land with clarity and intention.
• Check your body language: Record yourself; identify any distracting movements.
• Breathe properly: Deep breaths keep your voice steady and your nerves settled.

Remember: Confidence isn’t loud. It’s controlled, deliberate, and warm.

5. Your Graceful Exit

Finish just as strong as you started:

• A firm handshake
• Direct eye contact
• A clear statement of your interest in the job
• A quick ask about the next steps
• A follow-up thank-you email within 24 hours
• LinkedIn connection requests to your interviewers

Enthusiasm often wins over experience — but only when it’s paired with professionalism.

Phone Interview Preparation

Phone interviews remove the visual cues we rely on — making your voice the star of the show. Here’s how to nail them.

1. Prepare for glitches

Have the interviewer’s number, recruiter’s mobile, and email ready in case the call drops. Tech fails happen — but you should never look unprepared for them.

2. Pick the right location

No driving, no shops, no busy cafés. Choose a quiet, stable environment with good reception and a fully charged device.

3. Project confidence through your voice

Speak clearly and slightly slower than usual. Use mirroring techniques — match the interviewer’s pace, style, and energy.

4. Use strategic silence

A “pregnant pause” after a strong statement shows maturity, confidence, and control. Don’t rush to fill silence with nervous chatter.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve mastered the art of first impressions, head over to Part 2: How To Ace Any Interview – Best Questions To Ask Interviewers, where we show you how to ask smart, strategic questions that impress interviewers and elevate your confidence in the process.