By Beverly Weinstein

It all begins when you walk into someone’s office. Often, what you don’t say is as important as what you do. Here are some intangibles that seem obvious but may make or break the end result.

Advance Preparation

Even before you arrive at the office, doing your homework on both the company and the interviewer should be a given. Information on both is readily available online. If you haven’t taken the time or trouble to do research, it becomes obvious quickly. There’s a great quote from Abraham Lincoln that speaks to the importance of preparation “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Nothing has changed.

Arriving Late? Apologize First

It happens to all of us. The subway stops unexpectedly for 10 minutes, the train runs late, you’re stuck in traffic, or maybe your boss snags you on the way out of the office for a quick chat. All reasonable excuses. What’s not reasonable is failing to call or email to give the interviewer a heads-up. Worse is not apologizing when you finally do show up. You start behind the eight ball, and it’s hard to recover — no matter how well the rest of the conversation may go.

Dress For Success

Or at least interview success. Don’t err on the side of informality. In the words of one senior executive: “Show up like you want the job.”

Eye Contact, A Good Handshake, and Don’t Forget to Smile

It might seem minor but it makes a difference. Look the interviewer in the eye and if you’re worried about a weak handshake, try practicing. It makes a difference in perception. Don’t forget to smile. It may sound silly, but it’s something people are aware of, and it makes you seem “happier”– seriously.

New Technology vs. Old Fashioned Courtesy

Turn your cell phone off before you walk in for the interview. Even if you don’t check it, it’s distracting and annoying if it rings. Don’t even think about having a PDA out and in plain sight. Your attention should be on the interviewer.

A Strong Finish

Don’t let the interview finish without asking for the job or in some way indicating your interest. And of course, follow it up with a thank you. E-mail is fine, but a written note is always a standout. It’s another way to set you apart from the competition.

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