Having an outstanding resume and cover letter is only half the battle when applying for a job. Also, don't forget about help writing LinkedIn summary, because now social networks play a huge role in job hunting process. Once you get a callback, the interview can make or break your employer's decision of hiring you. Leave a lasting impression by following these tips to succeed on an interview. 

Familiarize Yourself With the Company 

According to Monster.com, that cites advice from Steve Fogarty, a staffing partner at Waggener Edstrom, researching the company is key to getting your foot in the door and impressing your employer. Obtaining a press release and informing yourself as much as you can on a company will make you more of a desired candidate, versus someone with experience who may not know anything about the company. This differentiates the good candidates from the greats in the longrun.

Dress To Impress 

There's nothing an employer loves more than to see their prospective hire looking good. Self-grooming and projecting quiet confidence are keys to looking desirable. According to JobInterviewQuestions.com, looking the part is part of leaving a good first impression. Women should wear neutral colors for blouses and pencil skirts or a pair of slacks. Men should wear dark-colored, two-piece suits. Clothes should be pressed, hair combed, teeth freshly brushed, fingernails trimmed and posture erect. If you're planning to wear perfume or cologne, make sure it's lightly sprayed on; don't take a bath in it. There's nothing that turns anyone off more than reeking of too much fragrance. Top that off with a warm smile and you're practically hired.

Express Interest in the Applied Position 

There's nothing an employer wants to hear more than that you want the position. Often times, the first question is usually the burning question: "What brings you here?" At that point, it is up to you to convince your employer that you're the right person for the job. Be terse. Briefly explain to the employer why you feel you make an ideal candidate in two sentences, tops. You might scare off an employer if you ramble on excessively. On the contrary, not saying enough may also indicate a deal breaker. For those who are on the nervous side, and may blank out during monologues, it wouldn't hurt to rehearse your answer beforehand. Awkward silences can be uncomfortable and can signify disaster. So come prepared to convince.

Bring a Leave-Behind Gift 

A leave-behind gift is not mandatory, but a nice idea to give to an employer at the end of the interview as a way to have them remember you. For a journalist applying for a reporter's position, for example, a nice leave-behind would be a sleak folder of your best three or four clips. This will make an employer center their thoughts on you amid the pool of applicants.

Getting a callback for a job is an exciting time. It shows you're wanted somewhere. Show your employer he or she made a good choice by taking time to make a lasting first impression. Look nice, project quiet confidence, express interest in the position you're applying for and leave something behind to seal the deal. This shows a kind of balanced reciprocity between yourself and the employer, and a callback for either a second interview or to announce those magical words: "You're hired."