How do you ace an interview in 5 minutes? Tips to maximize your success

There’s an old saying that can be applied to job interviews: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” If you want to make a splash within the first five minutes of a traditional interview, you’ll need the right tools to make a great impression.

In this article, we'll discuss:

• How do you ace a five-minute interview?

• What is asked in the first five minutes of an interview?

• Why was my interview only five minutes? Is a five-minute interview bad?

How do you ace an interview in five minutes?

While a candidate might be “great on paper,” there are a host of other factors that come into play when selecting a new employee. Hence, the interview! Since most recruiters seem to know in the first few minutes (or even seconds!) if they’re going to hire a person, you need to be ready the moment you step into the building. So what can you do to get things off on the right foot and show the interviewer you’re the best person for the job, all in the first five minutes of your interview? It’s a tall order, but it can be done.

1. Be aware of your body language

We’ve already mentioned that your interview starts the moment you walk into the building, and that includes sitting in the waiting area. How you comport yourself speaks volumes, so take a minute to do a physical inventory. Avoid slouching or folding your arms, which make you appear unapproachable. If employees walk past you, consider making brief eye contact or giving a perfunctory nod. This goes for the interviewer as well—establish a friendly, not-too-intense gaze paired with a smile upon meeting to avoid appearing standoffish or unfriendly. Lastly, don’t forget your handshake, which should be firm but not overbearing (and never clammy!). 

2. Be ready to ease into the interview with small talk

Although some folks detest the idea of “small talk,” it’s a good skill to develop. It doesn’t have to be all about the weather—you can prepare a few talking points ahead of time, whether it’s a shared interest or something you notice in the hiring manager’s office, such as an award or an eye-catching "doodad." You can even bring up an interesting development in your field. This "small talk" may be small, but it's not inconsequential. It's a great way to establish a rapport and give the hiring manager an insight into who you are as a person, not just a resume.

3. Start your interview with a strong message

Once you’re seated and done with the small talk, be ready to provide your key message within the first few questions, such as why you applied for the job and how your past successes make you a good fit. You'll also want to convey that you can fit into the company's culture, that you're not looking for a short-term gig, and that you're a strong team player. Keep the focus on what you can do for the company, and you’ll make a good impression quickly.

4. Don’t ramble or mumble your answers

When answering a question, don't ramble or go off on a tangent. When you've answered a question, stop talking. Don't waste any of your precious first few minutes by answering the question three different ways. Speak concisely and informatively. Blathering away just makes you look insecure or unprepared.

5. Dress for success

It may seem trivial, but how you dress can make an instant impression on a hiring manager. During your research, take a look at how the company, as a whole, dresses, particularly those in your position. If it's a more conservative field, a suit/pantsuit or skirt in a muted color is appropriate, and a pair of pressed slacks and a blouse/shirt would probably work for a more casual environment. 

6. What if your interview was only five minutes—in total?

Once in a while, you'll find yourself out the door of an interview much sooner than you expected. There are several reasons for this. Maybe someone was already hired and they didn't bother to call you. Maybe your resume was flagged by mistake. Maybe you're a victim of unconscious discrimination. Regardless, an interview that lasts only five minutes is, in all honesty, not a great sign. But it probably has nothing to do with you personally or professionally. 

What questions will you be asked in the first five minutes?

Since every interviewer is different, no crystal ball can tell you what questions you'll be asked in the first five minutes of an interview. But there are a few that typically seem to pop up during this time. They include:

• “So, tell me about yourself.”

• “How did you hear about this position?”

• “What made you apply for this job?”

• “Did you do anything in the last year to improve your skills?”

• “Can you explain this gap in your resume?”

• “Why are you a good fit for this job/company?”

Remember to use the STAR method to formulate your answers, and keep the focus on what you can do for the company, not the other way around. 

While the first five minutes of an interview are critical, remember to give yourself some grace if you get flustered. It’s not the end of the world, and you didn’t necessarily ruin your chances of getting a job. We’re all human, including the interviewer, so just take a moment to compose yourself, smile, and carry on. Make sure to follow up after the interview to thank the hiring manager for their time. That won’t happen in the first five minutes, but it will still go a long way towards giving a great first impression.

Need some help polishing your interviewing skills? Career.io’s Interview Prep tool will get you ready with expert advice, mock interviews, and AI-generated feedback.

Key takeaways

1. Most recruiters seem to know in the first few minutes (or even seconds!) if they’re going to hire an applicant.

2. To ace an interview within the first five minutes, watch your body language, practice your small talk, dress appropriately, have a strong message, and don’t ramble.

3. Use the STAR method to answer any interview questions, including those that come in the first five minutes.