We only get about 7 seconds before someone forms an initial impression of us.

Non-verbal communication (body posture and movement, facial expression, breathing) is very important. What you do and how you appear is just as important as what you say.

Remember the basics

Make eye contact. Give a firm handshake. Be comfortable using first names. Show compassion in your voice. Use positive facial expressions. Show interest and be a good listener.

Dress up!

If the dress is casual, wear smart casual. If the dress is business casual, wear a suit. People will tend to view you as more important. Add something extra, for example a tiepin, cuff links or a necklace. It gives people more to remember you by.

Use mirroring

When you are in an interview, you can mirror the person speaking to you. If they lean forward in a chair, you lean forward. If they smile, you smile. Your goal is to get the other person to feel comfortable with you being there. Then they are more trusting of you and more open to what you have to say.

However, don't go overboard, and don't mimic! Mirroring should be subtle - a way for you to match your style with the style of the person you're talking to.

Mirroring takes practice to learn effectively. Try it on your family and friends so it becomes a natural skill. When you become proficient, you will find that it helps you focus on communicating effectively.

A little help from your friends

Ask friends how you could improve your communication. They know you better than anyone and should be honest. If they tell you that you tend to interrupt when people are speaking, then practice being a better listener. If they tell you that you don't look at people when they speak to you, then practice your eye contact.

Small talk

Use small talk that allows you to share topics that are non-confrontational. Chatting about things you can share with others is a way to connect. Avoid politics or any topics that may provide an opportunity for disagreement or offence. Weather, how you got here, sporting events and the like are all suitable topics.

Ask questions

Asking questions shows you're interested. If there are things you need to know about a prospective job, be confident about asking. It shows you're serious about the position.

Be positive

Put a positive spin on things. For example, if you had terrible trouble on public transport getting to the interview, relay it in a humorous way and end on the positive of getting there.

Be yourself

Be true to yourself. This will help you stay relaxed during interviews, without needing to pretend you're someone else.

Finish confidently

Finish the interview with confidence. Smile, maintain eye contact and give a firm handshake to your interviewer or to each panel member before you leave. You have worked really hard on making a good first impression, so don't waste your hard work with a timid exit.