As much as we would like to believe otherwise, appearances really can make or break your interview. Yes, what is on the “inside” does count, but your first impression begins as soon as you come into contact, when your potential employer only knows you by your resume. Whether it is right or wrong, in many instances an interview is when you will be judged on how you present yourself and stand out from others.

While body language conveys a lot about you, your physical appearance also creates an initial perception of you that people will remember. Therefore it is crucial to dress your best — and that means slightly overdressing.

In First Impressions: What You Don't Know About How Others See You, authors Ann Demaris and Valerie White explain that the first information people get about something influences how they process any information received afterward. This means that you can generally expect people to believe what they first hear or see as an indicator of the truth.

Do not give anyone a chance to misjudge or misread you on something so easily manipulated. Act and dress to impress!

Eye Contact: Nothing can convey confidence like making strong eye contact. This doesn't mean staring the interviewer down, but making eye contact can convey a lot of expression that people pick up on.

Facial Expressions: Make sure you are aware of your facial expressions, even while you are listening to someone else speak! Your “resting” face can tell an interviewer a lot about how attentive you can be when receiving information.

Energy Level: No matter whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you should still maintain a good energy level to show that you are eager and ready for challenges.

Posture: Good posture gives off a better impression than going through an interview with slumped shoulders. Body language is definitely observed by interviewers and noted in how you will represent their organization.

Attire: One of the most obvious factors in giving a first impression; there is a lot you can do to dress right. Keep in mind the weather and dress appropriately, do research and know the standard of dressing for the organization and it is always safe to be a bit more dressed for business than casual.

To increase your chance of the best outcome possible, keep in mind that these are things you should think of while prepping for your interview.

A lot of times candidates will all appear similar based on qualifications, and so what interviewers look for are the qualities that make you an individual, how you will fit into their corporate culture and how well you will represent their company. When you create a good impression right off the bat, the interviewer will look for more specific information to support their belief in you, and that's when you get a chance to shine!