Research has shown people form first impressions within 7 seconds of meeting a stranger.  It only takes 60 seconds of speaking to that stranger to develop our full impression of them.  Once that impression has been set, it takes 3 times the effort to change the image/assumptions we have for that individual.

What does that mean to you?  Your interview starts the moment the interviewer sees you and it's half done after 60 seconds of talking.  Your skill set and job experiences are very important, but you have to be the person they want to work with first!

How can you ACE your first impression?  

APPEARANCE - Fit the image of the job.  Consider your clothing, hairstyle, make-up, facial piercings, etc.
CONFIDENCE - Know that you are perfect for the job and let it show!
ENERGY - Be a happy, positive candidate so the interviewer can actually enjoy the meeting!

And never underestimate who might be your interviewer - they just may be next to you in the elevator or standing at the front desk as you walk in. :)