Interviewers often make decisions about an applicant during the first few minutes and spend the interviewing time verifying their decision. Be ready to take advantage of that small amount of time to make a favorable impression. The following tips will help you create an all-around positive persona. Personal chemistry can be almost as important as job qualifications.

How to make a good first impression
Be ready: research the company, prepare questions, take work samples, have contact numbers handy for references—that you have already contacted and asked permission to use their names.
Review your notes to boost your confidence.
Arrive early
Take extra resumes
Be friendly and polite
Note how employees relate to one another, and how they dress
Greet the interviewer with a FIRM handshake [even if the interviewer is a woman] and a smile. Thank them, by name, for their time and the opportunity to meet them at the end of the interview.

Why you should fill out the application

Even if the information requested on the application duplicates the data on your resume, complete the entire form. It often is an indication of how well you follow instructions. The consistency of information provided may be necessary for the final hiring records.
Read through the application first. Determine what they are asking. Follow all directions explicitly. If the application states “print,” do so.
Never leave blanks or write “see resume.” Be specific; use notes and refer to your resume to be consistent.
Read disclaimers at the end of the application. They refer to references, employment requirements and other important information. Sign the application and be prepared to follow the rules indicated.
Inconsistent or incomplete information can result in dismissal after hire.

How to decide what to wear

Plan ahead so you have time to iron, go to the drycleaners, or buy something new. Trying to decide what to wear at the last minute can prove disastrous and make you late for the interview—in which case, it won’t matter how well turned out you are, you probably won’t get the job.

It’s acceptable to call the company and ask for information about its dress code. If you don’t want to call, there are a few simple rules to follow: avoid “Casual Friday” styles; clothing, hairstyles and accessories must fit the company image and the job—conservatism is always in good taste; wear very little jewelry; avoid fragrances in case of allergies; women should wear only clear or light-colored nail polish. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it’s pressed—and shine your shoes. (Wear comfortable shoes in case you are offered a tour of the facility). Your image a sign of your credibility, and employers expect you to be at your best.

When it’s your turn to ask questions

This is a very important part of the interview. Your questions indicate that you have researched the company and the job, and that you understand the employer’s goals.

Some Company-Related Examples

(All questions should come from the information you learned about the company during your research).
Are there any big changes in the company expected in the near future?
Is there room for me to progress?
What are the company’s priorities?
Are there any particular challenges the company is working to overcome?
How many employees work in my area? (Your research should have told you how many employees there are overall.)
Are there benefits available? Do I have a choice of benefits? When would I be eligible for each plan?
What is the company policy on vacation time?
Are there any opportunities to work anywhere else in the world?

Never ask about salary.

Some Job-Related Examples

(All questions should come from the information you learned about the company during your research).
Is this a newly created position?
Is there a formal training program? Is there someone to teach me my job?
How does this job fit into the overall goals of the company?
Who would be my manager?
Would I be able to work from home?
Do you offer flex hours?
Why did the last person leave?
Do you cover, or partially cover, the cost of any related courses?
Will there be any overnight conferences or traveling involved?
Will there be any overtime involved?

Source: QuickStudy.com