While there is no guarantee that you'll be hired by your dream employer, there are tactical ways to help you gain an edge. How you accept an interview, what time of day you interview, your body language and your follow up will either put you at an advantage or disadvantage. Here are tips that will put you in the former category. . .

Accepting An Interview - Whether you are offered an interview via telephone or email, you should respond formally. For example..."Yes, thank you. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss the position." It is never acceptable to respond casually (Yea, I'm interested. Can't wait.).

When To Interview - If you are currently employed, it is likely the interviewer will ask you to give him/her a few options on your availability. You should select options toward the end of the day (2:00 pm or 3:00 pm).

Why? It's human nature to remember recent events most clearly. It's called Recency Bias. Recency Bias - the observed phenomena that people tend to weigh the most recent occurrences as more meaningful than those that happened further in the past. Also, end of day interviews tend to be less intense, as the subconscious mind is already bringing the day to a close. However, if waiting around all day for the interview would make you crazy, take the first slot of the day and set the standard which others will have to reach.

Body Language And Tone - Communication is either VERBAL or NON-VERBAL. About 80% of everything you'll communicate in an interview is non-verbal (facial expressions, posture, gestures, and tone of voice...to name a few) and about 20% is what you actually say. So, make sure you're accurately communicating as you intended to. Here are a few tips to ensure you are less likely to miscommunicate -

* NEVER wear cologne to an interview. The last thing you'll want to do is cause the interviewer to have an allergic reaction (i.e., headache, sneezing, etc.).

* Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair. Aligning your body's position to that of the interviewer shows admiration and agreement.

* Keep an interested expression, nod and make positive gestures (in moderation of course). This helps you avoid seeming board or disinterested.

* If you have more than one person interviewing you simultaneously, make sure to address both interviewers briefly with your gaze. Then, allow your gaze to rest on the person who initiated the communication.

* If your interview is interrupted, do not stare at the interviewer as he/she addresses a colleague. Avert your eyes and when appropriate motion your willingness to leave if they need privacy. Showing respect, interest and gratitude is key when interviewing.

Concluding The Interview - After the interview concludes, stand gracefully and extend your hand. Your handshake should be firm (though not painful) and convey confidence (another non-verbal cue). As you exit, take care to engage your interviewer in light banter as you walk toward the elevator. Even if you feel you did exceptionally well in the interview, you'll want to remain composed as you walk to your car or cab. You don't want the interviewer to hear from reception that you were doing an end-zone dance in the parking lot! That's the fastest way to undo all of your hard work.

Leave A Lasting Impression - Within 24 hours of the interview you should compose a well thought out thank you email. A thank you message is an important piece of the conversation. It serves as the final punctuation to the meeting and will be the last thing the interviewer will remember about you. Also, it serves as evidence that you are a strong communicator and demonstrates your professionalism. When done right, a thank you message will reinforce a positive interview or smooth over any minor mishaps that might have occurred during your meeting.

Together, these things will ensure you are remembered positively and have made the most of your interview opportunity. Good luck!