First impressions count. Let’s face it, we all judge someone when we first meet them, even if we don’t know the person all that well. We make assumptions and prejudicial decisions.

Research proves that one third of employers will make a hiring decision in the first 90 seconds of a job interview.

A confident, positive attitude when you enter the room accounts for 55% of the impact in the interview. So, make those first 5 minutes count.

Proper preparation therefore is the key to a successful job interview.

You finally graduated and are now seeking your first job.

You’ve found a few interesting positions at companies you’d like to work for. What now? Where to from here?

Sure, this experience is all new to you and can be a bit daunting at times.

Competition is tough out there. So many other job seekers are applying for the same vacancies.

Employers are seeking employees that can add value to their organisation.

How do you stand out from the crowd? Prove to your prospective employer that you can be a valuable asset to their company.

The roles and responsibilities of HR include transactional and functional activities such as establishing a compensation structure, addressing employee relations matters, recruiting qualified applicants and maintaining workplace safety. 

The HR department is responsible for posting job vacancies conducting preliminary interviews and a coordinating the pre-employment process such as drug testing, background investigations and reference checks.  In small businesses these positions may be filled by HR journalists who have expertise in every HR discipline.

So, it's finally here. It's the day of your job interview and you're nervous. Don't stress, just do your best.

Proper preparation is key and will ease any anxiety you may have.

Here are a few tips to help you make a good first impression:

Get Ready:

Eat a healthy breakfast. Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E (such as nuts and seeds) improve mental alertness.