Many of you may be racking your brains out wondering how you’ll get through your next interview. You may be trying to figure out ways to make yourself stand out or ways to make you fit into their company. Well here are a few tips on how you can successfully impress your interviewer, rock the interviewer, and potentially land yourself that position you’ve been dreaming about.

Dress to impress. I want you first and foremost to understand that “dress to impress” is not synonymous of “tuxedo” or “tailored suit.” Some companies may be more laid back than you think. Research what their culture is like and dress in a way that will help you fit right into that culture. You don’t want to over-do it, but you never want to be under-dressed either. Always keep it professional.

First impressions. While the first thing they do see is your attire, the second will be your body language. Create a positive first impression because this is something that can last a very long time. Give a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact. Stay composed no matter how nervous you are. Each one of these elements will demonstrate your confidence and this is crucial. Interviewers want individuals who are self-assured. NOT ARROGANT …self-assured.

Interaction matters. An interview is an interaction. You will need to practice your communication skills if it is something you feel you are not good at. If an interviewer asks you a question, do not reply one-word answers. Expand a little on what you have to say. Give a little bit of detail but don’t go overboard. Make sure you have some background knowledge of where you are applying to. This can make up a great deal of the interview and you wouldn’t want to be thrown off by specific questions. Be prepared to communicate about yourself as well as the business.

Brush up on your skills. You may feel that you’re prepared to show off your skills at the interview, but if you haven’t practiced them in a while, you might be mistaken. Train yourself. Exercise them. This way, you will without a doubt be impressive! Try some puzzles and problem solving beforehand. With a little preparation, that next job might just be yours.

Always show interest. Again, I cannot emphasize enough that you must have some background knowledge about the company. Interviewers are impressed by interest. Never hesitate to ask questions. Ask about follow-up procedures. Do not ask questions regarding salaries or benefits because that will only give off the impression that you’re in this for other factors and not because you truly care. Point out how much you’d love to form a part of their team. And when you’re done with the interview, send them an email within 24 hours thanking them. If you were not able to solve a certain problem during the interview, now is the chance to compensate for it. Work on the problem and send them the answer. Showing this much interest will help express how much you really do care about this position.

Utilizing these pointers can very well put you on the right track to impressing your next interviewer. Don’t just sit around waiting for your next interview assuming you can wing it. Try and prepare so that you can rock the interview with flying colors. Good luck to all of you preparing for interviews, you’ll be great!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Carolina Otero is an associate at Execu Search. We specialize in Allied Health recruitment  in the New York City Tri-State area and Greater Boston.