Once the small talk is out the way, here are some tips that will help you impress your interviewer.

Handshake: Handshakes are always difficult to judge, but offer a firm handshake with no more than one or two pumps.  Shake like you want to be there! Confidence can be shown by simply smiling and hold a good amount of eye contact, this will set the bar for the rest of the interview.

• If you have an issue with physical contact, try to not let it show.
• Don’t squeeze your interviewers hand off, save the vice-like grip for a friend!
• Don’t produce a limp or sweaty hand – no one wants to shake a floppy fish!
• Don’t go ‘water pump’ unless you are going for a job in a pub!

Wear suitable clothes: Dress one notch above what you think is suitable work wear.  Fashions are continually changing, but you can still be stylish. This is not the time for outfit experimentation! If you look fabulous, you’ll feel fabulous!

• Don’t wear shoes that are uncomfortable. If you have bought new shoes for the occasion, try breaking them in at home first.
• Ladies don’t wear heels you cannot walk in – be sensible!
• Don’t wear clothes that leave little to the imagination!
• Remember: suits never go out of fashion.
• You can never go wrong with a splash of colour or a well-chosen accessory to add a bit of your personality to your interview outfit.

Be passionate and enthusiastic:  Positive attitude is everything.  You want this job right?! No interviewer will even consider someone who has a negative attitude,  so remember enthusiasm is infectious!

• Sell yourself – Why are you perfect for the job? What will you bring to the company?
• Research the employer and the opportunity before interview, by doing this you can give enthusiastic answers.
• If you are asked the ‘Tell me about yourself question,’ you can incorporate your enthusiasm for what you do into your pitch. What do you love doing? What are your achievements?

Ask Questions: When being interviewed for a new job, it is essential to pre-prepare questions for your employer.

• Impress the interviewer with your awesome preparation!
• Think and be clever about the questions you ask, these questions could reflect your interest and understanding of the position.
• Don’t be afraid to ask question! But remember, don’t interrupt and choose your time!

Be memorable: Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. They could be interviewing many different candidates every day. Therefore, it’s important to do or say something that will make you stand out in the mind of the interviewer.

Exercise self-control:

• Don’t talk about money: this discussion is for when you receive a job offer.
• Don’t bad mouth  previous employers
• Don’t talk about career aspirations outside of the business