Making a Memorable First Impression on Virtual Interviews

“Interview to acha gaya tha par pata nhi kyu selection nahi hua” As an HR Executive, I’ve conducted countless screening rounds and there’s one thing that often makes or breaks the first impression—the introduction. This is your golden moment to grab attention and set the tone, yet so many get it wrong by either rambling or sounding unprepared. If you’ve always been confused as to how to introduce yourself in a way that leaves an impact, let me share what works (and what doesn’t) based on my experience. Key Elements of a Perfect Introduction 1. Start Strong with Who you are. Think of this as your professional headline—something short and crisp that sums up your experience and expertise, Instead of launching into your life story. • Example: “I’m [Your Name], a marketing professional with 3+ years of experience in content strategy and brand growth.” 2. Highlight Key Skills/Experience Share two or three top accomplishments that directly relate to the role you’re applying for. • Example: “In my last role, I optimized workflows, saving the company over 300 hours annually, and led a team of 15 to deliver a major project three weeks ahead of schedule.” 3. Show Passion and Relevance Employers want to know why you’re interested in their company. Mention something specific you admire about the organization or role. • Example: “I’m passionate about data-driven marketing and admire how your company uses innovative strategies to connect with customers.” 4. End with a Smooth Handoff Wrap up by expressing eagerness to share more during the conversation • Example: “I’m excited to share more about how I can contribute and learn from your team.” My Honest Advice 💡 Practice without sounding rehearsed: Confidence comes from preparation, but don’t memorize it word for word. 💡 Customize for every role: A generic intro doesn’t leave an impression. Do your research and tailor your message. 💡 Keep it short and sweet: Around 60-90 seconds is ideal. You don’t need to share everything upfront. 💡 Avoid cliché statements: Phrases like “I’m a hard worker” without evidence don’t stand out. What NOT to Do❌ ❌ Don’t just repeat your resume—offer insights beyond it. ❌ Avoid irrelevant personal details (like hobbies unless they relate to the role). ❌ Don’t sound robotic—be professional but authentic. ❌Do not neglect researching about the company. If you don’t know about the company, it shows. Remember: The introduction isn’t just about telling them who you are; it’s about showing them why you’re the best fit for the role. It is your pitch—own it with confidence. How do you prefer to introduce yourself in interviews? Let’s share tips and learn from each other!

Video interviews… these days, almost all job searches start with a video interview. Some of them never have a face-to-face interview, so how candidates come across over video is crucial to the success of their search. You would think that after almost five years of working in a virtual world, proper etiquette for a video interview would be “common” sense, but we all know that common sense isn’t so common anymore… So – from a recruiter who focuses much of her day on interviewing candidates, take it from me: treat the interview as if you are meeting the interviewer in person. 🚬 Do not vape or smoke (yes, this has happened – multiple times) 🚶♀️ Do not walk around 🥙 Do not eat (or drink for that matter, unless it’s necessary to clear or moisten your throat) 👚 Dress appropriately: yes, this is virtual, but (at least from the waist up) dress as if you are interviewing in person. 📺 Turn off all other media in the room: no TVs, radios, or podcasts, please. The sound is distracting to everyone. Even if it’s muted, YOU might get distracted by something you see on the TV. If your phone is in the room with you, turn it upside down and move it away from you so that you don’t get distracted by someone trying to sell you a car warranty or a political text.🙄 💡 Use a blurred or virtual background: seeing an unmade bed, a pile of laundry or dirty dishes, or another person in the background is distracting to the interviewer and shows a lack of attention to detail. (Sadly, it can also create an unintentional bias to the interviewer.) If you can’t create a personal virtual background, or don’t like the virtual backgrounds that are available as part of the platform, just use the blurred effect. 👀 Place your device at a level that gives you direct eye contact with your interviewer. Do not place your device at an angle that is looking up at you. If you’re using a phone or a tablet, make sure it’s steady. If you need to prop it on a pile of books or boxes, do it! Of course, there are also very inexpensive options that can be purchased that are a bit more reliable. ⏱️ Do not log into the meeting more than 5 minutes before its start time! If the interviewer is on another virtual call, it can be distracting to them to see that someone is in the waiting room too far in advance of the meeting. 🐶👼 Distractions happen! If a pet or child comes into the room while you’re on the interview, it shows that you’re human. Once the distraction is over, simply apologize to the interviewer. At this point, 100% of us have been interrupted on a video call by a barking dog, crying child, doorbell, etc. It’s all about how you acknowledge it and move on. ❗❗PS – this goes to the interviewers out there too!! Like the Golden Rule says: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  If you don’t want to see it in a virtual call, then don’t let it be seen by the other person! What have you seen in a virtual interview that made you stop and go, “Hmmmmm…”? I’m all ears!!

Think your phone interview doesn’t matter? The recruiter already decided halfway through your tone. Most professionals underestimate the power of phone interviews. They think, “It’s just a quick screening call.” But here’s the truth: recruiters can sense your confidence before you even finish your first sentence. Tone reveals more than words ever can. It shows your clarity, your energy, and your mindset, all in under 10 seconds. Your phone interview isn’t a formality. It’s your first impression test. And when done right, it’s your secret advantage. After coaching hundreds of professionals across industries, here’s my 8-step framework for mastering it 👇 1️⃣ Location Mastery → Never take the call in public. → Choose a quiet room with strong signal and zero background noise. → Test your device and headset in advance. 2️⃣ Preparation Matters → Be ready 15 minutes early. → Keep your resume, notebook, and water nearby. → Switch your phone to “Do Not Disturb.” 3️⃣ Voice Optimization → Stand up while talking, posture impacts power. → Smile while you speak, they can hear it. → Keep your pace calm but confident. 4️⃣ Research Excellence → Know the company’s mission, culture, and latest updates. → Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions that show curiosity and insight. 5️⃣ Structure Your Answers (STAR Method) → Situation → Task → Action → Result. → Keep responses under 2 minutes, focus on clarity, not storytelling. 6️⃣ Professional Etiquette → Answer with your full name. → Use the interviewer’s name 2–3 times naturally. → Thank them for their time at both start and close. 7️⃣ Technical Readiness → Fully charge your phone. → Have a backup power source. → Test your mic and internet strength beforehand. 8️⃣ Follow-Up Strategy → Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. → Mention one specific thing discussed during the call. → Reinforce your enthusiasm and alignment. 💡 Pro Tip: The recruiter isn’t just listening for answers, they’re listening for assurance. Your tone tells them whether you’ll bring confidence to their team or chaos to their meetings. So before your next interview, take 2 deep breaths, stand tall, and smile. Because your voice has power and it can open doors long before you walk through them. 👉 If you’re ready to master interviews, from phone calls to boardroom panels and build a personal brand that speaks before you do, connect with me on DM if interested. Let’s make your next conversation your career spotlight moment. #InterviewTips #PhoneInterview #CommunicationSkills #SnehaSharmaTheCoach

Your first and last impressions matter more than you think in an interview. This is because of biases. Let me explain. As humans, we are full of biases. Biases are how we make sense of the world. Two that are well-known are called primacy and recency bias. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬: People tend to remember the first thing they see or hear. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬: We also remember the last thing vividly. That is why the way you start and end an interview is important. And if you use some strategy while in your interviews, you can turn these biases into an advantage. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐬 The initial impression sets the tone for the rest of the interview. A strong opening can build trust and interest, while a shaky one might take the rest of the conversation to recover, if you can at all. Here's how to make it work for you: 💡Ensure you have a prepared introduction (which can be part of the "Tell me about yourself" answer). This will be your elevator pitch. It should highlight who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re excited about this role. Practice it until it feels natural. 💡Your appearance communicates more than words ever could. Research the company culture and dress slightly above their standard to convey professionalism. 💡Engage the interviewer right away. Smile and greet your interviewer by name. It’s a small gesture, but it shows respect and warmth. 💡Be enthusiastic (but do not go overboard). Employers want to hire people who genuinely want to work for them. Let your interest in the role and the company shine through from the very beginning. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐬 Your interviewer will remember the last thing they see or hear from you. That means the end of the interview is your final opportunity to leave a positive, lasting impression. Here's how to make it work for you: 💡Talk about how you can solve their problems. Don’t leave the interview without reminding them why you’re the best fit for the role. You have discussed this all during the interview, but briefly highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments at the end. 💡Take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions. Ask insightful questions about their goals, challenges, or team culture. But not anything you should have learned from your initial research. Dig deeper into what is going on and how you can help. 💡Say thank you. A sincere thank-you goes a long way. Let them know you appreciate their time and are excited about the opportunity to contribute to their team. 💡Ask for the job. Tell them you want this. Something as simple as, “I’m excited about the opportunity and can’t wait to join the team,” can leave a strong impression. First impressions set the tone, and last impressions can seal the deal. Use this to your advantage. What other biases can you use to your advantage? ----- I am Shelley, a recruiter turned career coach. I help you find a job where you can thrive and not just survive.

As someone who has performed hundreds of interviews, I can tell you that acing the “Tell Me About Yourself” will set the tone for the rest of the interview.   Does the question 'Tell me about yourself' feel overwhelming? You’re not alone.   I know that the "Tell me about yourself" can feel daunting. It’s often the first thing you’re asked, and here’s the secret: your answer needs to stand out. Most candidates will stick to generic responses, but this is your chance to make a memorable impression and set the tone.   Here’s a framework to craft an answer: 1️⃣ Past: Start with a brief, tailored highlight of your background—focus on moments that align with the role but also showcase something distinctive about you. Example: "I earned my degree in Marketing, where I discovered my passion for digital storytelling. During college, I didn’t just intern—I spearheaded a social media strategy for a startup that grew their follower base by 30%, turning casual engagement into measurable growth." 2️⃣ Present: Transition to what you’re doing now and the impact you’re making—show how your experiences build on each other. Example: "Currently, I’m a marketing associate at XYZ Company, where I’ve led campaigns that not only increased website traffic by 15% but also improved customer retention through targeted content strategies." 3️⃣ Future: Tie it all together with a vision for what’s next, explaining how the role you’re interviewing for aligns with your goals—and why that makes you an ideal fit. Example: "Now, I’m excited to bring my creativity and data-driven approach to a company like yours, where I can take on bold challenges and contribute to campaigns that truly resonate." How to Develop a Standout Answer: Reflect on Your Journey: Spend time identifying key experiences, skills, or achievements that have shaped you and are relevant to the role. Focus on moments that showcase your unique value. Research the Role: Tailor your answer by researching the company’s mission and the job requirements. Highlight the aspects of your background that directly align. Practice Aloud and Record Yourself: Rehearse your answer out loud and record yourself. Watching the playback can help you identify areas for improvement in your delivery, tone, and body language. Pay Attention to Body Language: Use confident, open gestures to emphasize key points and maintain good posture. Smile naturally, and make sure your energy comes through—even in virtual interviews. Get Comfortable with Storytelling: Think of your answer as a mini-story—engaging, memorable, and personal. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and impact. Bonus Tips: Make it memorable by emphasizing what sets you apart. Keep your response concise (1-2 minutes) and engaging. Let your passion and personality shine—it’s your story, so make it compelling. Remember, it’s your chance to show the interviewer why you’re not like everyone else.

I recently helped to interview 15+ qualified candidates for a RevOps leadership role. Here are six things that consistently made candidates stand out: 1️⃣ Nailing the first impression and introduction: The ability to create a bit of warmth and connect as humans, and smoothly transition into a 60-second overview of your 10+ year career (while peppering in a few wins that are directly relevant to the role!) is an art that can absolutely be practiced. The opening anchors the interviewer’s perception of you and the rest of the interview. 2️⃣ Respecting the interview format and helping to keep us on track: At the start of each interview, I lay out a tight agenda and pay close attention to candidates' awareness of time and pacing. If you don’t know the full agenda, a great rule of thumb is to keep answers to 60 seconds in a one-hour interview (and 30 seconds or less in a 30-minute interview), then offer to go deeper if helpful. You’d be amazed at how rare and impressive this discipline is. 3️⃣ Telling a compelling story for why you’re leaving and why this role: The strongest candidates can clearly articulate why they’re looking to leave their current role (or why they left) and why this specific company and role excite them. It often comes up naturally, but it can also land powerfully as a concise closing statement before questions at the end if it hasn't. 4️⃣ Creating a small portfolio deck or doc to reference on the fly: A picture is worth a thousand words. The best candidates use the virtual interview format to their advantage by pulling up relevant (redacted) visuals while telling a story -- dashboards, systems diagrams, workflows, before/after states. It comes across as professional and thoughtful, showing your ability to communicate complex topics visually. I’m also a big fan of including a high-level systems diagram and data flow for each recent role. 5️⃣ Having multiple powerful vignettes prepared: The strongest candidates don’t rely on one polished hero story. They come prepared with several compelling examples that clearly show their role, the outcome, and what they learned. If you have a handful of strong stories about navigating software, people, or business obstacles, you can use them to elevate your answer to a huge range of questions. 6️⃣ Asking questions at the end to make sure it’s a good fit *for you*: These questions help me understand what you care about, the type of environment you thrive in, and signal genuine intent beyond just being one of five interviews you’ve had this week. It also often naturally flips the dynamic, with the interviewer starting to sell you on the role, which is a great place to leave an interview.

Think your executive presence only matters in the boardroom? Think again. It matters just as much on Zoom–maybe more. Today, most of our first impressions don't happen in offices or conference rooms. They happen in Zoom boxes. Interviews. Client pitches. Critical team meetings. The “first look” is often virtual–and research shows those impressions are just as powerful (and permanent) as in-person ones. I’ve landed roles and won business without a single handshake. The feedback has been notable: my energy and how I showed up on Zoom made a difference. Yet too often, people treat Zoom like a utility. They focus on showing up, but not on how they show up, and what their presence in that little square is actually saying about them. Mastering your virtual presence isn’t vanity; it’s strategy. Here’s how to own your square: 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 (𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆).  These are the basics that people notice subconsciously. Get them wrong and you have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.  • Camera at eye level: Prop your laptop up if needed.   • Natural lighting: Your face should be clearly visible.  • Clear audio: If your voice is muffled, so are your ideas.   • Professional background: Simple, neat, distraction-free. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿).  This is where you make a real connection. 🎯 Talk to the camera, not the faces on the screen. This = direct eye contact.  🎯 Sit up and lean in: Your posture broadcasts confidence (or a lack of it). 🎯 Modulate your voice: Avoid the monotone drone. Speak with clarity, energy, and variety. 🎯 Listen to be seen: Nodding and reacting intentionally shows you’re engaged. Bottom line: Executive presence is not platform-agnostic. How you show up on screen directly shapes how you’re seen as a leader. What’s the most memorable (good or bad) virtual presence habit you've seen? 

If your interviewer judges you in the first few seconds and you feel powerless… you really are not. Science says those seconds define you. Here’s the formula experts & neuroscience research agree on and how to make sure those first 7 seconds land you in the “liked + credible” bucket, not “meh, passable”. ✔️ The 7-Second First Impression Formula: 👉 Visual Readiness Dress sharply, maintain upright posture immediately, and adopt open gestures. 👉 Face & Micro-Expression Calibration Smile genuinely. A slight smile that reaches the eyes creates authenticity. Facial asymmetry or unnatural expressions immediately drop “trustworthiness score.” 👉 Voice & Tone Control Speak with clarity. Begin with your natural pitch. Avoid rising pitch at the end (“upspeak”). Even one word (“Hello”) can influence how dominant or trustworthy you are judged. 👉 Eye Contact & Gaze Pattern Maintain steady, appropriate eye contact of about 60-70% of time. Let your gaze move naturally but avoid darting. This signals confidence and attentiveness. 👉 Open Body Posture & Movement Uncross arms; lean slightly forward; nod at small cues. Mirror, but subtly. The brain’s mirror neurons respond positively to subtle synchrony. Body posture influences likability & perceived competence. 👉 Rapport & Familiarity Drop-Ins Within those seconds, drop something familiar or shared if possible: “I see you’re from ___ / you went to ___ / you worked on ___” something in common. It primes social trust. Similarity is one of the strongest drivers in first impressions. 👉 Authentic Energy + Breathing Prep Before entering, take 3 deep, controlled breaths to regulate the nervous system. Let that settle into your voice and your face. Research in neuroscience shows that emotional regulation (via breathing) reduces "amygdala hijack" and improves control over expressions. Use that calm energy. If you execute all 7 elements deliberately, the chances are high that you’ll start the interview in “liked + credible” zone — which gives you three huge advantages: ✔️ You get more leeway when you make small errors. ✔️ Your words will be interpreted positively by default. ✔️ Your stress gets buffered by positive feedback even in micro cues (smiles, nods, tone). 👉 Repost this to help someone nail their first impression. And if you want personal help crafting yours → DM me. #firstimpressions #interviewtips #selfpresentation #careerdevelopment #interviewcoach

Harsh truth: Most people fail virtual interviews Because of basic mistakes The complete guide to nail your next virtual interview From tech setup to virtual presence Your background speaks before you do: ✅ Test your tech 1 hour before ✅ Ring light or face natural light ✅ Clean, professional background ✅ Camera at eye level (stack books) ✅ Stable internet connection Pro Tip: Have phone hotspot ready (but keep your phone away on DND) Backup plans win interviews Your virtual image matters: ✅ Solid colors that pop on camera ✅ Top-half styling is critical ✅ No busy patterns (they strobe) ✅ Frame yourself chest-up ✅ Clean lens = clear first impression Pro Tip: Record your setup check Watch how you'll actually appear Preparation defeats pressure: ✅ Show you've done research ✅ Master your STAR stories ✅ Keep notes subtle (post-its at camera) ✅ Own your impact numbers ✅ Nail your 60-second story Pro Tip: Have water nearby A quick sip gives you time to think Command the screen: ✅ Subtle head nods while listening ✅ Look directly at camera lens ✅ Animate facial expressions 20% more ✅ Use hand gestures in frame ✅ Match their virtual energy Pro Tip: Stand up while presenting Your energy reads differently online What separates good from great: ✅ Zero audio delays (use headphones) ✅ Master the virtual pause ✅ Stories with business impact ✅ Digital thank you (video for bonus points) ✅ Stay human despite the screen Remember: Virtual interviews amplify everything Small details create big impressions ♻️ Share this with someone prepping for virtual interviews 🔔 Follow Jordan to crush your next interview & perform better

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐚 𝟗𝟎% 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 PhD/DrPH/Job 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬! 1️⃣ 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 → Even in a virtual setting, professional attire matters. ↳ Opt for solid colors to avoid distractions on camera. 2️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 → A clean, organized, and distraction-free background reflects your professionalism. ↳ Good lighting is key—position a light source in front of you. ↳ Test your tech: Ensure your camera, mic, and internet are functioning well. 3️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 → Confidence grows with preparation. ↳ Record yourself answering common questions to evaluate your tone and body language. ↳ Have concise yet impactful answers ready for “Tell me about yourself” and similar prompts. 4️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 → Look into the camera to simulate direct eye contact. ↳ Avoid looking at yourself on screenz→ it can distract from your connection with the interviewer. 5️⃣ 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 → Demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit. ↳ Reference specific aspects of the program or role that resonate with your career goals. 6️⃣ 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 → Thoughtful questions showcase your genuine interest. ↳ Ask about team culture, current projects, or mentorship opportunities. 7️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲 → Summarize your enthusiasm and thank them for the opportunity. ↳ Express your eagerness to contribute and grow with them. ↳ Follow up with a concise and thoughtful thank-you email. ————————- Your preparation, authenticity, and professionalism will set you apart. Every detail matters, so approach your virtual interview with confidence and intention! ♻️ Repost, save, and share with someone preparing for their next big opportunity! #careerprep #graduateschool #virtualinterviews