Most of us know about the all-powerful "first impression" and the effect that it can have in a job interview. Whether it is fair or not, we are judged immediately (albeit in many cases subconsciously) by the interviewer on such non-verbal cues as handshake firmness, eye-contact duration, style and cleanliness of clothing, vocal volume and pitch, and facial expression. A knowledge of these factors, and the ability to control them, can be very powerful tools for the interviewee if they can learn to use these to their advantage.

So what does dramatic training have to do with all this? This type of training teaches the student how to master these very things and to use them to convey a desired message, so it provides the ideal training ground. Students of drama are taught how to convey a message or an emotion using their voice, body language, mannerisms, facial expression and all the other verbal and non-verbal tools at their disposal. The trick is to take this knowledge and apply it to sending the desired message in a job interview. That desired message: "I am a responsible, hard-working and capable person who will get along well with others. Therefore, you should hire me."

Students of drama are taught to be in tune with, and alert to, all the non-verbal signals that they give off, so they can alter them as needed. This is a skill that is very valuable in controlling that important first impression. While of course any place of employment worth working at will hopefully base their final decision on ability and job history, a good first impression can set the tone and pave the way to a successful interview.

Control of body language can equate to control over what the interviewer thinks and believes about you. For example, typically interviews start with a handshake, and often would-be employers see a firm handshake as a sign of confidence (as opposed to a limp or quickly withdrawn handshake). A smile and eye contact are also key during the greeting and, since the idea is to look comfortable and hide nervousness, it is important to refrain from fidgeting and sit in a comfortable yet not too casual manner. Verbally, the interviewee can focus on speaking confidently and clearly and avoiding stuttering, "umm"'ing or other nervous habits. It is important to try to project confidence non-verbally or you run the risk of the interviewer questioning whether you really believe that you deserve the job. The goal should be to project the idea that you know you deserve

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