We know our interview attire is immediately acknowledged by interviewers, but there’s many other things interviewers take note of during an interview.  In a survey of employers across America, 6 things were identified as common things noticed first when interviewing.

Arrival Time.  It should go unsaid that arriving on time is a must for an interview.  Arrive around 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled interview. If you arrive earlier than 15 minutes for your interview, take time to review your resume and gather your thoughts.  You may also want to run to the restroom in the lobby before checking in to freshen up.

Attire. Dress neat and clean and accessorize minimally.

Body Language.  When meeting your interviewer, shake his or her hand firmly. A firm handshake shows you’re genuine and confident. Position yourself towards the interviewer. You don’t want to slump in your chair or look too relaxed; however, you should carry yourself with confidence.  It is also important to resist the urge to fidget with your hands out of nervousness.

Speaking Style. Speak concisely and minimize the use of filler words or ramblings.  A good practice is to mimic the speaking rate of your interviewer; people subconsciously identify with people that operate like they do.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Do your homework before your interview. Research the company in-depth. Some notes you may want to take to bring with you to the interview may include the company’s mission statement, values, and any recent company press releases.  Interviewers can tell how prepared you were for the interview based on your responses and questions you have for them.  Always come prepared with a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. This reflects both your level of preparedness for the interview and your level of interest in the position.

Your qualifications. While everything else listed is very important to establish a rapport with a prospective employer, your ability to sell your qualifications for the job is the last and most important note your interviewer will make.

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