The job interview starts the moment you walk into the room—or, in today’s world, the moment your camera turns on. Those first 10 seconds? They matter more than you think. In a competitive job market where recruiters sift through dozens of candidates, your initial impression can set the tone for the entire interview. That’s why learning how to confidently and strategically approach those crucial first moments is key to landing the job.

Why First Impressions Are Everything

Human psychology plays a massive role in hiring decisions. Research shows that employers often make subconscious judgments about a candidate’s confidence, professionalism, and fit for the role within seconds of meeting them. While that might sound unfair, it’s also a powerful opportunity—if you know how to use it.

Those first few moments aren’t just about “looking the part”; they’re your chance to establish credibility, communicate professionalism, and build rapport with the interviewer. It’s about setting the stage so that everything you say after that moment is heard through a positive lens.

Start With Strong, Positive Body Language

Whether you’re interviewing in person or online, your body language speaks volumes before you say a word. Employers are looking for someone who seems confident, approachable, and capable.

When the interview begins, make eye contact, smile genuinely, and offer a firm but friendly greeting. Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting, and keep your hands visible (it suggests honesty and openness). If it’s a virtual interview, ensure your posture and gestures are framed well on camera.

In a remote setting, camera positioning, lighting, and background become part of your body language, too. Frame yourself clearly, look directly into the camera (not your screen), and make sure your environment is clean, quiet, and professional.

Greet With Confidence and Clarity

Your greeting should be confident, clear, and polite. Avoid robotic or overly rehearsed intros. A warm “Good morning, it’s great to meet you. Thank you for this opportunity” sets a positive tone and shows you’re ready to engage.

This first exchange is also about voice. Speak clearly and with energy—without rushing. Your tone of voice communicates enthusiasm and presence. This moment is about showing that you’re excited and capable, without appearing nervous or rehearsed.

Dress the Part

Your attire helps tell the story of who you are as a professional. Even if the company has a relaxed dress code, always err on the side of polished and neat. For in-person interviews, dress one level above the company standard. For remote interviews, ensure you’re fully dressed professionally—even if you’re only visible from the waist up.

Looking put-together helps you feel more confident too, which translates directly into how you show up in the first few seconds.

Master the “First Line”

Your first sentence after the greeting often sticks in the interviewer’s mind. Avoid starting with filler or small talk. Instead, prepare a concise, upbeat introduction that sets the stage for your value.

Here’s a great formula:
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Job Title or Area of Expertise] with experience in [key skill or industry]. I’m really excited to speak with you about this role because [quick reason].”

This one line accomplishes a lot: it shows confidence, communicates relevance, and gives the interviewer a reason to lean in and listen.

Show That You’ve Done the Work

In the first 10 seconds, the interviewer is already assessing whether you’re genuinely interested or just going through the motions. Show that you’ve come prepared—even before the questions start.

Mentioning the name of the interviewer (if known), or referencing something specific about the company or the role right away can instantly elevate the conversation. It doesn’t have to be a long explanation—just a quick, relevant nod to your preparation.

For example:
“Thanks again for having me. I’ve been following [Company Name]’s growth in [specific area], and I’m excited to see how this role contributes to that success.”

Control the Energy

Interviews are as much about energy as they are about answers. The tone you set in the first 10 seconds will influence the rest of the conversation. Too much nervousness? You’ll spend the rest of the time trying to recover. Too casual? You risk seeming unprofessional.

Control your energy by doing a few warm-up exercises before the interview. Stand up, stretch, breathe deeply, and rehearse your opening out loud. This gets your brain into gear and your nerves under control so you can bring calm, confident energy from the start.

Set the Tone for Authentic Connection

Connection goes beyond charisma. In the first moments, your goal is to seem like someone the interviewer wants to talk to—not just someone who has memorized a script.

Be personable. Be human. A warm smile and a professional-but-friendly greeting build instant rapport. When done right, this establishes a human connection that sets you apart from other candidates.

Avoid These Common First Impression Mistakes

Even strong candidates lose momentum by making rookie mistakes in the first 10 seconds. Here’s what to avoid:

• Looking down or avoiding eye contact
  
• Starting with “Umm…” or sounding unsure
  
• Talking too fast
  
• Forgetting the interviewer’s name
  
• Appearing distracted or disorganized
  
• Wearing inappropriate or messy attire
  
• Joining the virtual meeting late or having tech issues
  

Preparation is your best defense against these slip-ups.

Practice Makes Natural

Practice your opening lines, body language, and tone until they feel natural—not rehearsed. Record yourself if needed, or do mock interviews with a friend. The goal isn’t to deliver a performance, but to embody confidence and readiness.

Even 10 minutes of practice can dramatically improve how you show up.

Confidence Over Perfection

Finally, remember that no one expects perfection. They’re not looking for a flawless robot—they’re looking for someone who is confident, capable, and can connect with people. If you mess up your first few words, recover with a smile and keep going. Confidence isn’t about saying everything perfectly. It’s about showing you’re comfortable in your own skin.

The first 10 seconds of your job interview might feel small—but they set the tone for everything that follows. When you master your body language, prepare your intro, and bring the right energy, you’ll instantly stand out as someone worth hiring. In a crowded job market, that can make all the difference.

So, take those few seconds seriously. Practice them. Own them. And let them launch you toward your next opportunity.