by Barry Golds

Created on: December 14, 2009   Last Updated: December 15, 2009

For any job interview candidate to be successful they need to follow the basic rules of any job interview situation. Without these then their chances of success are doomed to failure before they even set foot in the door. Follow the 10 golden rules of job interview success and you will be well on your way to a solid interview and boost your chances of impressing the interviewer.

1.    Firstly treat everyone from the receptionist upwards with the same respect as you would the job interviewer. It is amazing how often an interviewer will look for feedback from other people within the organization that the interviewee may have met. So leave nothing to chance and be nice, charming and pleasant to everyone you meet. If you come across as surly then people will often share their opinions with the interviewer. For example. If you do not ask well towards the receptionist she will notice this and may well pass comment to the interviewer after they have shown you form the building.

2.    Shake the interviewers hand firmly. It shows confidence. Self-confidence is of course a trait that create a good first impression and first impressions at a job interview are critical. IT is said the first 30 seconds will make or break an interview. Actually those 30 seconds often occur before the interview has even started.

3.    Look the interviewer in the eye. Eye contact should average about 60%. This is the natural level where people feel comfortable. This needs t be maintained throughout the interview. Do not stare and do not look away too often. You will need to practice this if it does not come naturally to you. 

4.    Build rapport with the job interviewer. There is often an opportunity before you formally start the interview where there is time for 'small talk' which relaxes both parties. Again the 30 second first impression rule applies here. The interviewer will NEVER accept a candidate they do not like.

5.    Make sure your posture says you are confident but not over bearing. If you slouch in the chair practice sitting more upright. It projects an image of self-confidence.

6.    Mirror the interviewer's body language. This is quite difficult to do. But for example if the interviewer has their legs crossed or perhaps leaning forward then try to mirror this. This will create a feeling of empathy in the interviewer's subconscious mind. Go back to number 4 about the interviewer needing

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