Let’s face it…interviewing is intimidating. It doesn’t matter if you have a set of individual interviews or meet with a panel of folks, it’s hard not to be nervous. So we’ve put together a few tips on how to survive the interview process with style and grace.

• Show up on time. This one is so basic it hurts, but it’s amazing how many candidates don’t do it. Be smart and get your interview off to a good start. In fact, show up 5 minutes early to signal that you are eager for the job.
• Dress professionally. As my mom always said, you can get away with being overdressed for an occasion but it doesn’t work the other way around. Preferably wear a suit or at a minimum dress business casual. It let’s others know that you take the situation serious and it’s just plain professional.
• Be friendly and outgoing. Your interviews are a chance to get to know future co-workers. As much as they are asking tough questions to assess your fit to the position, interviewers are sizing up what kind of teammate you will be. Most people want to work with someone friendly. Remember to smile. When someone new walks into the room, stand up to shake their hand and introduce yourself. The little things go a long way.
• Watch your body language. What you say is an important but small part of the interview. Research has suggested that 60-70% of all meaning is derived from nonverbal behavior. So pay attention to your body language and posture. Are you too relax and leaning back in your chair? Are you engaged in the conversation and perched forward to catch every word from the interviewer? Were you quick to answer and passionate about what you discussed? These nonverbal clues give away your true interest in the interview and the position.
• Prepare questions. Most interviewers will give you time at the end of the meeting to ask them questions. So don’t be caught off guard without anything to add to the conversation. Take time the day before the interview to review the company’s website. Understand what product or service they sell. Then write down a couple of questions to take with you to the interview. Your questions can vary from corporate culture to job responsibilities or corporate financial stability.Be prepared and have thoughtful questions. It shows you are truly interested in the position and the company. More importantly remember that you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.
• Ask for business cards. It’s a great closer, shows that you are interested in your interviewers and indicated that you want to establish a relationship with them. It’s also an easy way to get everyone’s contact information so that you can send a thank you for their time. (Check out Why Thank You Notes are Important.)

These are just a few simple tips to help give you an edge during the interview. Do you have any words of advice for other candidates? Send us your favorite interview trick.