There is nothing more nerve-wracking than a job interview because you have to be the best version of you that you can be, and that means lots of preparation. While you may have your resume perfected and answers to the typical questions rehearsed in your head, you might be forgetting one important element of a job interview . . . the ability to connect with the interviewer. In this videoconference, Francene Gilmer from the Vanderbilt University Career Center will show you how to build a relationship with an interviewer to maximize your chances as a candidate.

Like it or not, job interviewers can usually tell whether you are an ideal candidate for the job within the first minute. It is called the first impression, and a significant part of a hiring decision is based on nonverbal elements in an interview--handshake, eye contact, body language, posture, listening skills, clothing, grooming, and accessories. People make amazing assumptions about your professional credibility and potential performance based upon your appearance during a first meeting. It is very difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or expertise.

To make a great first impression, walk in with confidence, but not cockiness, give a firm handshake, introduce yourself in a pleasurable tone of voice, make eye contact, sit up straight, show your enthusiasm, and take a deep breath! Whatever you do, never be late! Doing business is a lot about building a rapport, and building a rapport with a job interviewer is equally as important. Job interviews are not just about reciting all of the right answers the interviewer wants to hear. You can have all of the experience in the world, but if you don't establish a connection with your interviewer, your chances of scoring that dream job diminish. Show your interviewer that you are a real person and a good fit for the company, personality-wise.

After the interview, make sure you leave behind one more lasting impression. Reaffirm your interest, thank the interviewer for the opportunity for a job interview, and give one last handshake.

Dress for Success:

Should you be judged by what you wear? Perhaps not, but the reality is, of course, that you are judged by your appearance. Throughout the entire job-seeking process, employers use short cuts to save time. With cover letters, it is the opening paragraph and a quick scan of your qualifications. With resumes, it is a quick scan of your accomplishments. With the job interview, it is how you are dressed that sets the tone of the interview.

How should you dress? Dressing conservatively is always the safest route, but you should also do a little investigating of your prospective employer so that what you wear to the interview makes you look as though you fit in with the organization.

You can always dress for success with a nice pant or skirt suit, even if the position or job is causal, and go easy on heavy cologne, perfume and makeup. First impressions are critical. Remember, you are marketing a product (yourself) to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire. You should make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking. Will dressing properly get you the job? Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge and a positive first impression.

Select apparel, fragrances, jewelry, hairstyle, that does not detract from your professional image. The interviewer's attention should be focused on what you say and your qualifications. Attention to details is crucial, so these tips are for both men and women:

-clean and polished conservative dress shoes
-well-groomed hairstyle
-cleaned and trimmed fingernails
-minimal cologne or perfume
-no visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) except -conservative ear piercing for women
-well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
-no gum, candy, cigarettes, or other objects in your mouth
-minimal jewelry
-no body odor
-visible tattoos should be covered to avoid distraction
-apparel should be clean and neatly pressed
-apparel should fit well and remain in place while sitting and/or walking
-less is more

CC(9) Career/Technical Education Curriculum Core 5. Demonstrate effective communication skills.

CC(9) Career/Technical Education Curriculum Core 8. Demonstrate procedures for obtaining employment

Social Studies 12.2. Formulate questions and hypotheses from multiple perspectives.

Language Arts 11:2 Uses explicit techniques such as modulation of voice, inflection, tempo, enunciation,

physical gestures, eye contact, posture.