It may seem cruel, but first impressions can be deal makers... or breakers. The interviewer starts forming opinions from the moment the two of you shake hands. No kidding. And by the way, that handshake is critical. Here’s how to do it correctly:

Look the interviewer in the eye as you offer your hand.
Shake his or her hand firmly ... but not like a vise.
Smile at the same time, and say something enthusiastic like, "Hello Mr. McGillicutty, it’s great to meet you!"

As you walk to his or her office, make some small talk-- team or sports scores, how great the lobby looks, a recent storm... you get the gist. Establish positive vibes and the rest of the interview will feel more natural and less like you're being grilled at the Spanish Inquisition.

Step 7 - Answer Well

You’re going to be asked some questions, but there are some tricks to answering them well:

Don’t ramble. It’s better to give a shorter answer with strong points in it than to babble on for five minutes in a disorganized fashion.
Look the interviewer in the eye when you’re answering. If you don’t, he or she may think you’re fabricating your answer right there on the spot.
Gather your thoughts. If you need a minute to collect your thoughts in order to answer a specific question, feel free to say: "I need to think about that for a moment ... " or "That's a great question ..." The interviewer will respect your honesty and your desire to offer a thoughtful answer. If a question is a difficult one, try to remember how to approach it. If you blank out, be honest, but definitely put a positive spin on your answer. A little humor never hurts either.

Step 8 - Ask Questions

Usually at the end of an interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions. If you don’t ask something, it can be taken as a sign of lack of interest . . . so prepare some questions before the interview. There are two areas to question -- the organization and the job itself. We recommend asking about the job first. Are you clear on the responsibilities of the job? If not, ask for clarification.

Do you see where the job fits into the structure of the organization? Do you understand whom you’ll be working with, and what their expectations of your work are? By the way, do not ask about the salary or benefits -- vacation, holidays, sick days, etc. -- in the first interview. Leave that for after they have presented you with an offer.

Be sure you know what the next steps are after the interview. Are they going to contact you? When do they think they can do that? Would they prefer you to follow up with them? How is the best way to do that?

The end of the interview is also a good time to emphasize how interested you are in taking the process to the next step and why you think you’d be the perfect candidate for the job. Do not beg for the job, but let your positive energy and enthusiasm win the day. Upon leaving, make sure to shake the person's hand again and make sincere eye contact. And, of course, don't forget to thank him or her.

Step 9 - Be Yourself

This is the most important step. No matter what anyone says, you can’t pretend to be someone you’re not. In the interview, let who you really are shine through. Trained interviewers spot actors quickly. Be proud of that precious collection of talents, motivations, and skills that make you the individual that you are. Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and develop, and act accordingly. Show "the real you" -- sense of humor and all -- and you'll be well on the way to getting hired.

Step 10 - Follow Up

Your interview isn’t over when you walk out the door. As soon as you get home, write a short thank-you note to your interviewer. You appreciated the time they spent with you and the chance to learn more about the job and the organization, so tell them.

If you promised to send something additional --writing samples or another copy of your resume, for example -- make sure to enclose it. Keep your note short, and restate your understanding of the next step. If you’d like to add something you forgot to say, this is the time and place.

You’d be surprised how many candidates never offer this simple bit of courtesy. Send a thank-you note, and you’ll stand out in the crowd.

← Previous Five Steps to Interview Success