When a candidate makes it to the interview stage they breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the job search strategies they have implemented are working, at least to this point. But wait. The interview can make or break a hiring decision. As a jobseeker, you may have read articles about what you need to do to ace the 
interview and are comfortable with the approach or tactics. But do you know the secrets that hiring agents and interviewers are using to screen you out?
1. Google
A jobseeker should be researching and Googling companies they are interested in to obtain important information about the organization. On the flip side, recruiters and hiring agents are Googling you! Over 90% of employers use Google today to capture additional information about the jobseeker. Keep your social media profiles professional, especially when in the midst of a job search. You don’t want to lose a job opportunity because a potential employer found an embarrassing picture or inappropriate online post.
2. Dress to Impress
Employers are looking at interview candidates with a sharp eye because they may one day be representing the company. Conservative suit or dress wins out over miniskirts and loud ties (unless you are interviewing for a job in the circus), Also, be cautious about using too much perfume or extreme body odor. This distracts the interviewer and could cut your interview time short should the smell become too intense.
3. Interview Savvy
Interviewers appreciate candidates who understand the interview process and can navigate through it confidently. Make it easy for them to interview you by being prepared, flexible, answering questions directly and asking questions as appropriate. The smoother the interview goes, the better your chances are to move through the hiring process.
4. Sell Yourself
Ability to do the job today isn’t enough. Remember, an interviewer wants to screen you out as much as screen you in. Consider your talents and skills as the premium products that every employer wants and needs. Sell them as if you are the only one who possess these skills. Position yourself as a solution to the company’s problems. Set yourself apart from your competition, and be prepared to answer the question, “why should I hire you?”
5. Etiquette
Cell phones going off constantly, people walking and texting, rings, chimes, reminder voices soaring through the air. Do these sound like typical things you experience throughout your day? Don’t be rude when interviewing by leaving your cell phone on the table, texting while talking, or giving attention to numerous reminder pings. Turn your cell phone off while in an interview! Whatever etiquette you display in an interview tells the interviewer (without saying a word) what type of employee you might be.
A few of the attributes from the Boy Scouts also apply when interviewing: Be trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful, brave, clean, and reverent. And the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.
