A successful interview often begins long before the first question is asked.
At MJD Recruitment, we’re fortunate to speak with hiring managers and executives daily who reflect on the subtle details that shaped their impressions of a candidate. From how they arrived to the way they carried themselves before the conversation started and, there’s one thing they all agree on:
First impressions are more than just important, they’re unforgettable.
Whether you’re applying for a Legal Assistant, Executive Assistant or Office Manager role, your success often begins before the formal interview even starts.
In this blog, we’ll help you master the art of creating a positive first impression, one that influences how you’re remembered, evaluated and ultimately selected for your next role.
Before You Sit Down: Preparing for the Waiting Room
The interview begins long before you sit at the table. You never know who you might run into on the way, or who walks past as you wait to be called in. How you present yourself in the waiting room can leave a stronger impression than many job seekers realise.
Real client feedback we’ve heard:
“She turned off her phone, greeted the receptionist and picked up one of our internal brochures – that told us she was composed and curious.”
Arrive early and take the time to settle in. Greet the receptionist with a smile, switch off your phone and take in your surroundings, you might notice something that could be useful later. Browse any reading material available to show that you are engaged. More importantly, use this time to relax, take deep breaths and avoid any last-minute cramming.
These small but thoughtful behaviours often get noticed by the hiring team and can help you to stand out as a strong, composed candidate.
Your First Words: Make Them Count
From the moment you’re greeted by your interviewer, you’re being evaluated.
What you say, how you say it, and your non-verbal cues all contribute to making a good first impression.
Try this:
- Greet them with a calm, friendly tone and make eye contact
- Offer a firm but approachable handshake
- Express appreciation for the opportunity to meet with them
- Walk confidently, maintain open body language and take your seat with poise
- Take a deep breath, sit up tall and get ready to share your expertise with confidence
Even before the formal questions begin, you’ve already set the tone for how you’ll be remembered. More importantly, you’ll feel confident and relaxed.
Preparation That Sets You Apart
You don’t win interviews by winging it; you win by walking in well-prepared.
Preparing for a job interview is about aligning what you say with what the company is looking for. It’s not about memorised answers, it’s about relevant insight. After all, you need to make sure it is the right fit for you.
Four key things to prepare:
- Know the job: review the job ad and understand the core responsibilities
- Know the company: explore their website, recent news, and social media presence
- Know your interviewer: research their background via LinkedIn or company bios
- Know your value: be ready to explain how your skills and personality align with their team
One of the most well-received gestures? Take the time to understand your interviewer’s background. It’s a subtle way of showing genuine interest, and it often makes a memorable impression.
“I was flattered they’d taken the time to learn so much about me! That level of interest stood out.”
Quiet Confidence Beats Over-Scripting
We regularly hear:
“The candidate had a quiet confidence; they weren’t over-rehearsed, just well-prepared.”
That’s exactly where you want to be.
The best interviewees take the time to answer clearly, concisely and structured when responding to interview questions. Use this three-part structure:
- Past: Share a relevant example from your experience
- Action: Explain how you approached the situation and consider the actions you took to make an impact.
- Result: Highlight what came from it. This can be a positive outcome, learning, or insight.
Following a structure like this helps keep your answers natural, and tells your story clearly while building credibility.
Look Professional, Feel Confident
First impressions often begin the moment you walk through the door, and for client-facing roles, what you wear plays a significant role. We’ve all been there, unsure what to wear, wondering if you’re too casual or too formal.
Your outfit doesn’t need to be expensive or overly formal, but it should clearly show that you’ve made an effort, thought about the occasion, and understand the professional environment you’re stepping into. Aim for clean, well-fitted, and polished. Choose structured pieces in neutral tones and avoid anything too bold, revealing, or overly casual. Your appearance should support your confidence, not distract from it.
When in doubt, lean slightly more formal than expected. A blazer, crisp shirt, or polished shoes can elevate your presence and reflect professionalism. Unsure of the office vibe? Ask your recruitment consultant; it’s always better to check than guess.
Comfort matters too. Try your full outfit the day before: make sure it fits, feels good, and allows you to move easily. When you’re not fidgeting with uncomfortable clothing, you’ll carry yourself with more ease and confidence during the interview.
Ask Questions That Show You’re Thinking Ahead
Employers are interviewing you, but you’re also assessing them. This is your opportunity to know if it’s the right fit for you.
Coming prepared with thoughtful questions shows that you’re engaged, curious, and invested in the opportunity, not just going through the motions.
Ask these questions to show interest:
- “What does success look like in this role after three months?”
- “Can you describe the team dynamic or working style?”
- “What’s something you’d love to see the successful candidate improve or take ownership of?”
- “What’s the biggest challenge in this role?”
It’s best to leave conversations about salary or leave policies at this early stage to your recruitment consultant; keep the focus on the role, the culture, and the business.
Recap: How to Win Before the Interview Starts
Here’s a quick checklist for making a strong first impression:
- Dress in a way that reflects professionalism and keeps you comfortable
- Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, and switch off your phone
- Greet everyone you encounter with warmth and eye contact
- Prepare thoroughly -about the job, the company, and the interviewer
- Speak clearly and structure your answers with intention
- Have quiet confidence to relax throughout the interview
- Ask thoughtful, role-relevant questions that show genuine interest
Final Advice for Candidates
We work closely with employers and hiring managers across Australia who share exactly what they’re looking for in a great candidate. And time and again, what stands out isn’t always years of experience – it’s how a person presents, prepares, and connects in those crucial early moments.
If you’re getting ready for interviews or need personalised support as you plan your next move, we’d love to help.
Reach out to MJD Recruitment to feel confident and prepared ahead of your next opportunity.
