A job interview is a do or die opportunity and you need to be prepared to make a strong and lasting impression. 

Regardless of the type of organization or the role in question, here are several unvarying rules to successful interviewing that should never be broken:

Be on time:  In fact, arrive a few minutes early so that you have time to check your notes, or visit the powder room before entering the office.  Employers do not typically have open-ended timeframes for interviews.  Tardiness will suggest a lack of respect and a poor sense of responsibility.

Practice a professional greeting:  Eye contact and a firm handshake immediately convey confidence, while a smile suggests sincerity and approachability.  Look the interviewer straight in the eyes, smile sincerely, and offer up a firm handshake.  A weak handshake or failure to make eye contact may leave the impression that you lack confidence or sincerity.

Follow the interviewer’s lead:  Let the interviewer set the tone of the conversation.  Be polite and show interest, but do not engage in extended small talk.  You are there to show that you are best qualified for a particular job, not to make new friends.