How to sell yourself in an interview - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Whether you like it or not, first impressions count.  Experts say it takes only about one-tenth of a second for people to make up their minds about you.  So, how can you project your best self at that next job interview or important meeting?

There's a lot you can't control about how you come across, but Patti Wood, an expert in reading body language, says there is a lot you can control.  She teaches clients how to ace an interview, and she says the secret is to start strong, with a confident handshake.  Then, focus on connecting with the other person, not on trying to be perfect.

Wood is the author of a new book called Snap!, and it's all about first impressions.  She says the two secrets to pulling off a successful interview are being in the moment, and connecting with your interviewer.

Before interview begins, she says you should shake hands and as you sit down, pay attention to the other person, not all your stuff.  She also says you should make sure you sit up straight.  If you lean to one leg, she says observers might think there's something wrong.

If your body tenses up, Patti says you can trick it.  She says you should relax, open it up and breathe out, and that will help you relax.  

Wood says it's good to rehearse, but don't over think your responses.  And, if you think you may have messed up, don't rush through the rest of the interview, and certainly don't give up.  

Wood says how you handle the hard stuff could convince a potential employer that you've got the right stuff.  She also says you should close strong by shaking hands when you finish, and again when you walk out the door to help reestablish the connection you want to make with the interviewer.  

If you're doing a interview by phone, Patti says you should pay attention to the other person's energy level and then try to match it.