First Impressions in Nursing Interviews: Why They Matter More Than You Think (and How to Get Them Right)
If you’ve ever walked out of an interview replaying everything you said or wondering “Did I blow it before I even sat down?” - this post is for you.
Whether you’re a nursing student preparing for your first interview, a new grad nurse navigating residency applications, or an experienced nurse making a career move, there’s one thing that often gets overlooked in interview prep: First impressions.
Not the answers you memorized.
Not the clinical questions you practiced.
Not even your resume.
I’m talking about the first few seconds.
And here’s the truth most people don’t realize until they’re on the hiring side:
Interviewers start forming impressions almost immediately, often before you say a single word.
After spending more than a decade on both sides of the interview table (as a new grad nurse, hiring committee member, recruiter, and nurse manager) I can tell you firsthand: first impressions matter more than most candidates realize.
Let’s break down why they matter, how they form, and what you can do to make them work in your favor.
First Impressions Form Fast — Really Fast
Research consistently shows that interviewers begin forming impressions within seconds, sometimes even before the candidate speaks.
That means your first impression is already taking shape based on things like:
How you walk into the building
How you greet the front desk staff
Whether you arrive calm or visibly flustered
Your posture, eye contact, and body language
The energy you bring into the room
In other words, the “little things” aren’t little at all.
They’re actually the big things.
And they heavily influence how the hiring team experiences you for the rest of the interview.
When First Impressions Go Wrong
I’ve sat in on countless interviews where the outcome was affected before the first question was even asked.
Candidates arriving late.
Candidates rushing in, stressed and disorganized.
Candidates who looked overwhelmed before they ever had a chance to explain themselves.
And here’s the tricky part: once you start an interview feeling behind, it becomes incredibly hard to project confidence and professionalism, no matter how strong your clinical knowledge actually is.
You’re already playing catch-up.
Why First Impressions Are “Sticky”
Here’s something fascinating (and honestly, a little unfair): First impressions are sticky.
Once an interviewer forms an initial opinion, their brain subconsciously looks for information that confirms it.
A strong first impression makes your answers land more favorably
A weak first impression makes even good answers work harder
This isn’t about interviewers being unkind — it’s about human psychology.
And it leads to an important truth:
A Good First Impression Buys You Grace
When hiring teams feel positively about you early on, they tend to be more forgiving of:
Nervous pauses
Imperfect answers
Moments where you don’t articulate something flawlessly
You get wiggle room.
On the flip side, a poor first impression creates an uphill battle. Even strong clinical answers may struggle to overcome early doubts about professionalism, preparedness, or engagement.
Decisions Start Forming Earlier Than You Think
Studies suggest interviewers often begin leaning toward a decision within the first 60–90 seconds.
And after years on new grad nurse interview panels, I can tell you… this absolutely tracks.
Most “no’s” are fairly obvious early on. And in many interview panels, if even one person feels strongly that a candidate is a hard no, that opinion can carry a lot of weight.
Remember: you’re rarely interviewing with just one person.
You’re usually making a first impression on multiple people at once.
So if that first impression isn’t strong, you’re not just trying to win over one interviewer — you’re trying to shift the entire room.
The Interview Starts Before the Interview
One of the biggest mindset shifts I want you to make is this: The interview starts before the first question is asked.
Everything counts:
How you walk into the building
How you greet the front desk
How you interact with staff
How early (or late) you arrive
You never know who you’re speaking to or who is connected to the hiring team.
That’s why I always recommend checking in at least 15 minutes early.
It signals that you’re prepared, prompt, and professional.
And yes, front desk staff do notice. I’ve been part of hiring processes where arrival times were documented and shared with interviewers.
Nonverbal Communication Matters More Than Words
Here’s another eye-opening insight from research on first impressions:
Nonverbal communication often carries more weight than what you actually say especially early on.
This includes:
Body language
Eye contact
Posture
Tone of voice
Facial expressions
We spend so much time worrying about saying the “right” thing, when our energy might be better spent focusing on how we show up.
And yes, this includes how you’re dressed.
Professional appearance directly influences perceived credibility, particularly in healthcare settings.
Presence: The Missing Piece Most Candidates Overlook
Once you’ve covered professionalism and body language, there’s another layer that matters just as much: Your presence.
Your warmth.
Your confidence.
Your energy.
These things are harder to fake and interviewers can usually tell when something feels off.
At a very human level, interviewers are subconsciously asking one question first:
Do I like this person?
Research shows that warmth is often judged before competence.
In other words:
Do I like them?
Can they do the job?
Warmth creates the foundation for perceived competence.
What Warmth Looks Like in an Interview
Warmth doesn’t mean being overly chatty or trying to impress.
It looks like:
Smiling
Making eye contact
Being engaged and authentic
Showing genuine excitement
One of my favorite phrases to recommend to candidates is this:
“I just want to say, I’m a little nervous, but I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
Why this works:
It’s relatable
It names the elephant in the room
It lowers tension immediately
It shows you care
I’ve watched hiring teams visibly relax when candidates say this.
Let’s Talk About Confidence (Especially for New Grads)
Confidence is often communicated before a candidate speaks.
Showing up prepared, calm, and intentional signals confidence, even if you’re nervous inside.
And if you’re a new grad nurse, hear this clearly: You deserve to be there.
If you were invited to interview, you’ve already been deemed qualified on paper.
No one in that room is more “qualified” than you simply by showing up.
Be confident in:
Your work ethic
Your dedication
The knowledge you’ve gained
Your willingness to learn
You earned your seat at the table.
What Hiring Teams Are Really Assessing
Hiring teams don’t expect new grads to bring expertise.
What first impressions really signal is fit, not skill.
We’re asking ourselves:
Can we work with this person?
Can we teach them?
Can we trust them on the unit?
I’ve seen candidates miss clinical questions and still be considered strong because they came across as warm, coachable, and eager to learn.
And I’ve seen technically strong candidates struggle because their presence didn’t land well.
It’s Not About Perfection — It’s About Presence
This is the biggest takeaway I want you to remember: First impressions aren’t about being perfect.
They’re about being present.
They influence:
How forgiving interviewers are
How engaged the hiring team stays
Whether your answers are given room to land
And they matter far beyond interviews.
First Impressions Matter Everywhere
Not just in interviews — but in:
Shadow experiences
Your first day on the unit
Networking events
Conversations with future colleagues or managers
Even personal moments, like meeting your partner’s parents
Anytime you walk into a new space, you’re communicating something before you ever speak.
Final Thoughts
My hope is that you don’t walk away feeling pressure to be perfect, but instead feel empowered to be intentional.
Show up prepared.
Lead with warmth.
Carry yourself with confidence.
And remember: your presence often speaks louder than your answers.
If you’ve been invited into the room, whether it’s an interview, a shadow day, or a new opportunity, you’ve already earned your place there.
As always — I have one hand for me, and the other for you. 🤍
Signing Off…
Caroline
PS. Want more on this topic? Listen to Life After Nursing School Podcast Ep 49