With competition for jobs at an all-time high, now more than ever your performance during an employment interview is a critical factor. If you are one of the lucky few to even make it to that stage of the process, you’ll want to utilize these tips to make the best impression you can on a potential employer:

Dress neatly and appropriately. Over half of a first impression is formed from appearance alone, so make it count.

Choose your tone of voice carefully. The second half of the first impression is predominately associated not with what you say, but how you say it.

Do your research on the company. Make sure you understand their business objectives, products and services and are familiar with their website or other advertising paraphernalia.

Exude a positive attitude. Avoid assigning blame, self-pity or making negative connotations about previous employers or competitors.

Provide samples of your work. Prepare a concise, easy to review representation of previous projects or papers to show the interviewer. If you have recommendation or referral letters, bring these to share as well.

Ask questions about the company, including what they seek in an ideal employee.  Prepare these in advance, if possible.

Listen attentively and carefully. Often the best impression comes not from what you say, but how you listen.

Come into the interview well-rested and relaxed. Don’t pull an all-nighter preparing the day prior, be on top of your game.

Ask the interviewer what they seek in an ideal employee. Be prepared to explain how you qualify in response if you feel you indeed fit their criteria.

Send a follow-up “thank you” note. A hand written note to thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview and share information about their business will most likely segregate you from others who may text or email a note, or not at all.

You just can’t afford to waste the opportunity to make a great first impression while searching for that new job, especially during a recession. Use these tips to outshine the competition and hopefully you’ll land that sought-after position!

Readers, any additional tips we’ve missed?

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