In my work as a recruiter, I frequently come across individuals with exceptional credentials that just cannot turn an interview into a job offer. Just as often, I come across individuals, with more modest credentials, that have no problem landing offers. The key difference is that those that land the offers know how to connect with the interviewer on a personal level.

Before the interview, the hiring manager reviewed the qualifications you outlined on your resume and found them to be adequate: That is why you were granted the interview. During the interview, the hiring manager is more interested in how well you fit within the organization. Think of the interview as a first date.

First impressions are key. The impression you make on the hiring manager will be formed primarily in the first minute or two of your meeting. Believe it or not, these impressions usually happen before the formal interview even begins. There are a few things that you can do to give yourself a good shot at a favorable first impression.

Interviewers will typically offer water or coffee before the interview begins. You're probably thinking you don't want to trouble the hiring manager or perhaps you want to give them the impression you are a straight to business' kind of person, so you decline the offer. Contrary to what you may think, in our culture the offer and acceptance of food or drink is a ritual that works to bring down social barriers. Accept the offer. It is a subtle way to begin building a personal connection with the hiring manager in informal setting versus a more formal setting like the actual interview.

Establish common ground before the interview begins. This will improve the tone of the interview. Find areas of common interest. Scan their office and apparel for clues to the things that interest them. If their office is filled with nautical knick-knacks, ask if they are a sailor. Look for items on their apparel such as a Rotary pin. If there are no clues available, you could comment on a common issue that the interviewer is bound to identify with. The current level of the DOW comes to mind right now. Everyone is more comfortable with others that have similar interests and challenges.

Mirror the speaking style and mannerisms of the hiring manager. People are more comfortable with those like themselves. I do not mean copy every move they make. Just follow their lead. Take note of their posture and verbal style. Interviewers that are strictly "business" will appreciate a business-like demeanor. Some interviewers are very relaxed and personable. These interviewers will be more likely to connect with someone of a similar style. But, I have a word of caution on this: some interviewers play your best friend to get you to let your guard down. You may be tricked into revealing more than you want to. Relax, but remember this is like a first date. You don't want to reveal everything at once.

Also, ask the hiring manager about their experiences with the company. People love to talk about themselves and their company. If you do this well, you will have the hiring manager selling you on why you should work there.

Pete Cantey is Vice President of Staffing and Job Search Coaching at Snelling Littleton. Pete can be reached at 866-386-6793 or petecantey(at)snellingpersonnel.net. Pete has been an executive recruiter since 2006. Prior to that, Pete owned and operated his own commercial construction company and was an officer in a Fortune 500 financial services company. Pete has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Texas. Pete is passionate about helping others succeed.