Introductory Stage:

Make a Good First Impression. Making a good impression can influence the entire interview and can be the determining factor in whether or not there will be a job offer. First impressions are often based on nonverbal clues also known as Body Language:

• The interviewer first assesses your overall appearance and demeanor; do you maintain good eye contact, do you smile, stand up, and offer your hand in greeting?
• How is your handshake - strong and overpowering or weak and wimpy? It should be somewhere in between. Too strong can hurt the Interviewer. Too weak and they may lose all respect for you. Unsure where your handshake power lies? Then practice with close friends and family. Have them critique the strength and either tone it down or pump it up. Either way, find a way to give a nice, firm handshake when meeting someone for the first time.
• After the handshake wait for the interviewer's signal that it is O.K. to sit down. Lean forward in your chair and maintain good eye contact. Smile and continue to do so naturally at appropriate times during the course of the entire interview.
• Show that you are receptive and comfortable by not crossing your arms and legs. If you cross your arms and/or legs, it gives the appearance that you’re a closed (minded) person, not open to suggestions or change. Try to appear confident and relaxed by keeping your arms at your side, hands in lap or folded on the table. Sit up straight in your chair - no slouching of shoulders – with your feet flat on the floor. It is OK, however, to cross your feet under the chair.
• Avoid keeping your briefcase or handbag in your lap. First, retrieve documents that you’ll need including your resume and cover letter. Set these on the table and keep your purse or briefcase close by on the floor next to your chair. You may need to produce some of the other documents later in the interview. But only if asked for the documents. Don’t offer anything unless it pertains to the question the Interviewer is asking at that time. This is especially important of references and letters of recommendation. It may be too soon to offer that kind of information – they may not care at this point – so just have it with you and produce it when they ask.
• Pace your movements so they are not too slow or too fast. Try to appear thoughtful but not slow. On the other hand, don’t interrupt the Interviewer or try to finish their sentences because you are 10 questions ahead of them. Pace yourself. Stay calm and try not to rush. Be respectful and know when to ask questions. If there is a pause after a question or your answer, go ahead and ask – as long as it pertains to what you were just discussing. If you ask a question that has nothing to do with what you’re talking about at the time, it will seem misplaced and you may seem misguided or not focused on the discussion at hand.
• Remember that you are also evaluating them. Get the information you need to make a smart decision about going to work for this particular employer. Also, pay attention to the Interviewers body language, questions, comments, and concerns. They, too, can reveal important information about the company such as if they’re happy in their job and can show it or unhappy and hating every moment of their day. Trust your gut instinct. It’s often right when the job feels wrong.