First Impressions Matter: Lessons from Two Job Seekers
Making a strong first impression is critical, especially when you’re aiming for a leadership role. Let me introduce you to “Carl” and “Sandra,” two job seekers who taught me a lot about the power of presence and preparation.
Carl: A Missed Opportunity
Carl, a mid-level tech manager, reached out to me for help navigating job interviews. His frustration was clear: “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong,” he wrote. “I’ve been trying for over a year to move on to a position of higher leadership, and I have great qualifications. But I cannot get a callback to save my life.”
When we hopped on a Zoom call to discuss his challenges, the reasons behind his struggles became evident within seconds.
On my screen was a weary, middle-aged man slumped in his chair, wearing wrinkled clothes. His posture made him look smaller than he was, and his downcast eyes avoided the camera. Behind him? A glaring distraction—a rumpled, unmade bed. To top it off, Carl spoke softly in a monotone voice, barely audible and difficult to understand.
While his résumé likely spoke of competence and experience, his demeanor and surroundings told a very different story. Instead of projecting leadership readiness, Carl seemed disengaged and unprepared.
He scheduled a coaching session with me after our call but canceled it an hour before. I never heard from him again.
Sandra: Leadership in Action
Just a few days after meeting Carl, I had a very different experience with “Sandra,” another coaching prospect. Sandra reached out for help boosting her confidence ahead of an interview for her dream job—the highest leadership role she’d ever pursued.
From the moment she joined our Zoom call, Sandra radiated presence and poise. She greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes looking directly into the camera. Her casual yet professional attire and neat hair added to her polished appearance. Unlike Carl, Sandra claimed her space in the Zoom frame, sitting upright and confident.
When she spoke, her tone was clear, her words articulate, and her energy engaging. It was no surprise that she approached our coaching session with enthusiasm and discipline. A few days later, Sandra emailed me to share the great news: not only did she ace her interview, but she also landed the job.
The Power of First Impressions
Carl and Sandra left me with starkly contrasting impressions. Carl’s lack of preparation and low energy left me feeling disconnected, while Sandra’s confidence and warmth immediately drew me in.
The truth is, whether you’re stepping into an interview, a high-stakes meeting, or even a networking event, you have less than seven seconds to make an impression that sticks. Here’s how to make it count:
Zoom Interview Tips for Leadership Presence
- Be Punctual
Respect the interviewer’s time by being on time. - Sit or Stand Confidently
Maintain a posture that exudes confidence and authority. - Make Eye Contact
Look directly into the camera to establish a connection. - Claim Your Space
Take up about one-third of the screen frame—don’t shrink into the background. - Clean Your Environment
A tidy background matters. If you’re short on time, use Zoom’s blur feature. - Dress for Success
Wear clean, professional clothing, and ensure your grooming is on point. - Smile and Warmly Engage
Projecting warmth is an underrated yet essential leadership quality. - Speak Clearly and Confidently
Use appropriate volume, enunciate your words, and stay concise.
In-Person Interview Essentials
All the above applies, with a few additions:
- Offer a firm handshake when you arrive and leave.
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues like posture and eye contact throughout the conversation.
Be More Like Sandra
Your first impression can either propel your career forward or hold it back. If you want to stand out, approach your interviews with Sandra’s confidence and preparation.
Need help preparing for an important interview or refining your executive presence? Let’s connect—I’d love to help you shine.
Need help preparing for an important interview, or improving your executive presence? Let’s connect!
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®