Winning the First Two Minutes of an Interview

The first two minutes of an interview often set the tone for everything that follows. Long before your achievements are discussed, people are already forming impressions. How you walk in, make eye contact, and control your pace sends powerful signals about confidence and credibility. Calm presence, a steady smile, and measured movement help establish trust before you even speak.

Your opening words matter just as much. When you are asked to introduce yourself, this is your moment to deliver a clear, well-structured elevator pitch. Framing it around now, past, and future keeps it focused and relevant. Briefly share where you are today, highlight the leadership experience that shaped you, and then connect it to what you want to do next and the challenges you are excited to solve. Keeping it outcome focused and forward looking ensures you are seen as a leader who thinks beyond the past.

The final step is to connect the dots. By aligning your story to the organisation’s priorities and direction, you show that you have done your homework and that you are there for a reason. Getting these first moments right builds trust, creates momentum, and allows you to shape the rhythm of the entire conversation.

Practical tip
Practice a ninety to one hundred and twenty second introduction using the now, past, future structure. Finish by linking your experience to one of the organisation’s current challenges or goals.

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