Research has shown that it takes about 4 minutes for someone to form a judgement about you in a job interview. Only 7% of this judgement is based on what you actually say. Here are some tips on how to swing the other 93% in your favour. 

• Make sure you’re dressed appropriately (read our Dressing for an interview article)

• Use hand gestures in moderation — nothing worse than accidentally slapping your interviewer in a moment of excitement. Hold your hands together rather than crossing your arms, crossed arms can make you appear defensive.

• Eye contact is essential, just remember that it’s not a staring contest, eye contact should be natural. When in a panel interview — look at the person asking you the question, with a glace at the other interviewers from time to time.

• Talking the talk. Take a deep breath before each answer: this will give you time to think (reducing the uhm’s and uh’s), your answers won’t appear to be rushed or rehearsed and you should be able maintain a moderate, relaxed tone.

• Relax . If you are calm and comfortable, you’ll set the interviewer at ease (interviewers have feelings too). Interviews are also about establishing whether you’ll fit into a company, so be true to yourself.  

• Be attentive and courteous, nothing says, “I couldn’t be bothered”, like taking a mobile phone call or being impolite.

 Make your first impression a lasting one … for the right reasons.