The Interview Starts Before You Think: Why Your First Impression Matters
Many candidates believe a job interview begins with the first formal question or when they join a Zoom call. However, the real evaluation starts much earlier.
As an Executive Recruiter with over 20 years of experience working with thousands of hiring managers and professionals, I’ve seen candidates lose opportunities before they ever set foot in a room. Here’s what I’ve learned.
The interview begins the moment you answer the phone or respond to that first scheduling email.
1. Answer the Phone Like a Professional
That call from an unknown number? It might be the company you’ve been hoping to hear from. Hiring teams call from numbers and have names you won’t recognize. If you’re in a job search, answer professionally every time.
A simple “Hi, this is [Your Name]” goes a long way.
And if you have a call screener like Google’s, turn it off while you’re job hunting. Yes, you’ll get some spam. But making a recruiter navigate a screening robot is not the first impression you want to leave.
2. Treat Emails and Texts as Writing Samples
When a company reaches out by email or text, how you respond tells them a lot. Every written communication you send is a reflection of your professional writing skills.
Are you using full sentences? Proper grammar? Or are you firing back with abbreviations and shorthand?
Skip the “U available at 2?” and take the extra ten seconds to write it out. Using full words and professional language shows you understand how to communicate with customers and stakeholders.
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3. Be Flexible With Scheduling
Be as accommodating as you reasonably can. The hiring manager is likely juggling multiple candidates and a packed calendar. The person who makes scheduling easy stands out.
If you’re currently employed, it’s completely fine to ask for early morning or after-hours slots. But be specific when you ask.
Instead of “could you do something later in the day?”, say “I’m available at 7 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. Would either of those work?”
And remember: the coordinator scheduling your interview will report back to the hiring manager on how you came across. Be kind and professional at every step.
Bottom Line
The interview is the final stage of a process where you’ve been evaluated at every single touchpoint along the way. The phone call, the email, the scheduling, they all count.
Professionalism and respect aren’t just for the interview room. They start from the very first interaction.
Watch the full video above for more detail on each of these points.
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About The Resource Link
For almost two decades, The Resource Link has strategically placed Accounting, Finance, & Human Resource talent with some of the best companies in Arizona! We consult with our hiring managers and candidates to dive into the best solutions and outcomes and we provide advice and feedback along the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or just pick up the phone! We would love to hear from you to help you build the best team or find the best career.
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