Fair or not, hiring managers start forming opinions within the first few minutes of meeting you. That’s why a great first-round interview isn’t just about having the right answers. It’s about how you present yourself, how confidently you communicate, and even the questions you ask.
The key is preparation and confidence. From understanding common first-round interview questions to practical tips, this article will help you leave a lasting impression—so you can land that callback.
What matters most in your first-round interview
The first interview is the hiring team’s first real chance to assess who you are beyond your resume. While your application got your foot in the door, this conversation helps employers determine if you’re a potential fit for both the role and the company.
“Companies want to see if a candidate will mesh well with their team and work environment,” says Brittany Dolin, owner and CEO of the recruitment firm The Pocketbook Agency. “Showing enthusiasm for the role and aligning with the company’s values can make a lasting impression.”
One of the key goals here is to understand how you present yourself—not just what you know. “Clear, concise, and confident communication goes a long way, and active listening is equally important—engaging with the interviewer, not just waiting for your turn to speak,” Dolin says.
Plus, “while it’s important to be professional, interviewers appreciate authenticity,” she says. “They want to get a sense of the real you—someone who is genuine, self-aware, and honest about their skills and experiences.”
How to make a lasting first impression
The first few minutes of your conversation can set the tone for the entire meeting. Here’s how to make those minutes count.
Research the company beforehand
“Dive deep into the company’s mission, values, recent projects, and industry news to show you’re engaged with their current direction,” Dolin says. “Analyze the job description carefully, identifying key skills and aligning your experiences with their needs. Candidates who come in with a solid understanding of the company, its mission, and the role stand out immediately.”
Taking the time to research also shows you’ve put effort into preparing, which is one of the best ways to make a good first impression at an interview. Your knowledge of the company will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones in return.
Be mindful of non-verbal cues
Non-verbal cues—your body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and overall presence—can be just as powerful as your words. Interviewers are trained to pick up on these subtle signals, Dolin says. She always reminds candidates to be mindful of the following:
- Body language and posture: Sit up straight with an open, relaxed posture to convey confidence and engagement. Slouching or crossing your arms can unintentionally signal disinterest or defensiveness.
- Eye contact: Keeping steady (but not intense) eye contact shows confidence and attentiveness. If it’s a virtual interview, look directly at the camera from time to time—it helps create a sense of connection.
- Facial expressions: A genuine smile and natural, responsive expressions show enthusiasm and approachability. A blank or overly serious face might seem disengaged, even if you’re interested.
- Gestures: Natural hand gestures can add energy to your responses, but avoid fidgeting—tapping a pen, playing with your hair, or shifting in your seat can signal nervousness or a lack of focus.
- Handshake (if in-person): A firm, confident handshake (not too strong, not too weak) sets a professional tone right from the start.
- Pacing and presence: Speaking too fast can come off as anxious, while measured, thoughtful responses will show that you’re calm and confident.
Dress appropriately
Of course, your appearance also plays a role. Dressing appropriately for the role shows respect for the process and helps reinforce the professional image you want to project. You don’t need to overdo it, but a polished, neat look that aligns with the company’s culture can help you feel—and appear—more confident.
For extra guidance, read this next: What to Wear to an Interview: Outfit Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Master common first interview questions
No matter the industry or role, there’s a good chance you’ll face a set of common first interview questions designed to assess your qualifications, communication skills, and cultural fit. Preparing thoughtful, concise answers can help you stand out from other candidates and boost your chances of moving to the next round.
While every interview is different, here are some common first-round interview questions you’ll probably hear:
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
This isn’t an invitation to recite your life story. Instead, offer a brief overview of your professional background, key achievements, and what led you to apply for this role. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch—focused, relevant to the job and the company, and engaging.
For extra guidance, read this next: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Examples Included!)
2. “Why should we hire you?”
Here’s your chance to confidently explain how your skills, experience, and passion align with the company’s needs. Highlight specific strengths and back them up with examples that show you’re the right person for the job.
For extra guidance, read this next: 4 Better Ways to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”
3. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Employers want to know if your career goals align with the role and if you’re likely to stick around. Share aspirations that reflect both personal growth and a potential future with the company.
For extra guidance, read this next: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
5. “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.”
“Even in early interviews, interviewers may ask situational or behavioral questions to gauge how you approach challenges,” Dolin says. “Sharing specific examples of how you've tackled problems in the past can demonstrate your ability to think on your feet.”
Don’t be afraid to be honest about the challenges you’ve faced. Authenticity can show self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that many employers value just as much as technical skills.
For extra guidance, read this next: 30+ Behavioral Interview Questions to Prep For (With Sample Answers!)
Use the STAR method to ace your answers
“To show value without sounding rehearsed, aim for structured yet natural responses,” Dolin says. “Treat the interview as a dialogue; engaging with the interviewer keeps the conversation authentic and dynamic.”
Try using the STAR method:
- Situation: Set the scene with context.
- Task: Explain your role or responsibility in that situation.
- Action: Describe the steps you took to address the task or challenge.
- Result: Highlight the outcome, focusing on measurable results when possible.
For example, instead of saying, “I managed accounts,” you could say, “I increased client retention by 20% over six months by implementing a personalized follow-up strategy.” This approach shows what you did and the impact of your actions, which makes your response more memorable.
For extra guidance, read this next: STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview
Build rapport with the interviewer
Establishing rapport can make you more memorable and even tip the scales in your favor when decisions are made. Simple yet effective strategies to build a connection include:
- Listen attentively. Don’t just wait for your turn to speak. Nod, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully to what the interviewer says.
- Add a personal touch. If you notice a shared interest or admire something about the company’s recent projects, mention it. This shows you’ve done your research and aren’t giving cookie-cutter responses. You can also “research the interviewers on LinkedIn to find common ground or professional achievements you can reference to build rapport,” Dolin says.
- Stay positive. Enthusiasm is contagious. Express genuine excitement about the role and the company—it helps the interviewer feel your passion.
Remember, interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Engaging naturally can make the experience feel less formal and more authentic.
Manage your interview anxiety
Overcoming those inevitable pre-interview jitters is key to projecting confidence and professionalism. Here are some tried-and-true first-job interview tips for staying calm:
- Mind your mindset. Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” try reframing it as, “I’m excited for this opportunity.” That simple shift can change how your body reacts to stress.
- Breathe and pause. Before the interview, take deep, steady breaths to calm your nerves. During the interview, don’t rush your answers. A brief pause to collect your thoughts shows composure, not hesitation.
- Tech check (for virtual interviews). Log in early to make sure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are all working smoothly. Avoiding technical hiccups can eliminate unnecessary stress.
- Focus on the two-way street. “Remind yourself that interviews are two-way conversations; you’re evaluating them as much as they’re evaluating you,” Dolin says.
At the end of the day, interviewers aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for real people who can bring value to their team. A little preparation, a dash of enthusiasm, and a calm, confident mindset can help you leave a lasting impression.
Ask the right questions during your first-round interview
When the interviewer wraps up with, “Do you have any questions for me?”—don’t let the moment pass with a simple “No, I think you’ve covered everything.”
This part of the interview is another chance to stand out. Asking thoughtful questions shows you're engaged, genuinely interested in the role, and proactive about understanding how you can contribute.
Need inspiration? Here are some questions to ask in the first job interview recommended by Dolin:
1. What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?
This shows you’re results-oriented and eager to meet expectations—not just clocking in and out.
2. How does this role contribute to the company’s larger goals or mission?
It signals that you’re thinking beyond the job description and care about the company’s bigger picture.
3. What are the biggest challenges facing your team right now, and how could I help address them?
This shows problem-solving initiative and a proactive mindset, which employers love.
4. Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and the company culture?
It highlights that you value collaboration and cultural fit, not just landing a job.
5. What are the opportunities for growth and development within the company?
This shows ambition and a desire to build a long-term career, which can make you more appealing as a candidate.
6. Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you pause?
A bold move—but incredibly effective. It shows confidence, openness to feedback, and a readiness to address any concerns directly.
What to avoid when asking questions
Not all questions are created equal. Some can make you seem unprepared—or worse, uninterested.
- Don’t ask basic questions you could’ve Googled. Asking, “What does your company do?” screams lack of preparation.
- Don’t ask questions about salary and benefits too early. Save compensation discussions for later rounds unless the interviewer brings it up first.
- Don’t ask yes/no questions. Aim for open-ended questions that spark conversation, not one-word answers.
- Don’t ask negative or critical questions. Avoid anything that puts the company on the defensive, like, “I read some bad reviews online—can you explain that?”
Follow up with a thank-you note
The interview may be over, but your opportunity to make a good impression isn’t. Sending a thoughtful thank-you note after your first-round interview can reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind as the hiring team evaluates candidates. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact.
A great thank-you note doesn’t need to be long, but it should be thoughtful and specific. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
- Start with a sincere thank you. Open by expressing your appreciation for the interviewer’s time. For example: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about the [role name] position and the exciting work your team is doing at [company name].”
- Reaffirm your interest in the role. Clearly state your enthusiasm for the position and why you’re a strong fit. For instance: “Our conversation reinforced my interest in joining your team, especially after hearing about [specific project, initiative, or challenge discussed in the interview]. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my [specific skill] to help achieve [company goal or team objective].”
- Highlight a key takeaway. Reference something memorable from the interview to show you were engaged and attentive: “I particularly appreciated our discussion about [mention a specific topic], and I’m eager to apply my experience with [relevant skill or achievement] to support your team’s goals.”
- Close with gratitude and next steps. Wrap up with a final thank you and a polite nod to the next steps: “Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and contributing to [company name]. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information.”
Pro tips for sending your thank-you note
- Send it within 24 hours of your interview to keep the momentum going.
- Personalize it for each interviewer if you met with multiple people.
- Keep it concise—three short paragraphs are plenty.
- Proofread carefully to avoid typos that could undermine your professionalism.
This gem is one of our best-read advice articles: How to Write a Thank-you Email After an Interview (with Samples!)
You’ve got this
Landing the first interview is an accomplishment in itself, but it’s just one step in the larger journey toward your next role. Whether you feel it went perfectly or think you could’ve done better, the key is to keep moving forward with confidence and a growth mindset.
Use what you’ve learned to strengthen your answers, practice new questions, and refine your stories. Confidence comes from readiness, so the more you practice, the more natural and self-assured you’ll feel when it’s time to face the next interviewer.
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