Well done, you have managed to secure an interview. You now have to start thinking about selling yourself in the best possible light at the interview. These helpful tips are designed to boost your confidence.

Interviews are a two way process where the employer uses it to confirm that you have all the required skills, knowledge and willingness to do the job and be compatible with the organisation's culture, you use it to show them that you are the right person for the job and to establish that the role is actually what you thought it was. Remember, you don't have to accept a job offer!

Interview Format - Most interviews are structured in the following way 1. Them telling you about the company and the role. 2. Them asking questions about your achievements / career history as per your CV. 3. Them asking personal / general questions to establish your skills, behaviour etc. 4. You asking them a few questions about the specific role. 5. Them informing you of the next stage of the process and expected timelines.

PREPARATION - Before the interview ensure that you do the following:-

Do your homework - Use the internet, business publications, local press to find out as much about the company as possible, this will help you answer questions on why you want to work there and shows the employer that you are interested in the role.

Review your CV - Read over your CV, covering letter and application form to ensure you are familiar with what you said. Prepare for questions relating to any gaps in your employment.

Review the Job Advertisement / Specification - This will help you tailor answers to probing questions relating to your skills and experience. Put yourself in the interviewer's position, what do they want a candidate to say?

First impressions count - Dress smartly, no matter what the company dress-code is. It is reccommended to keep body piercings to a minimum and keep tattoos covered. Don't overdo your make-up, perfume or aftershave.

Know where you are going - Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview starts, this will allow you time to compose yourself. If you do get held up in traffic, phone the company to inform them. If you can do a trial run to find the place this is one less thing to worry about on the day. Double check the interview date and time and confirm the interviewer's name and job title.

THE INTERVIEW

Nerves- It is natural to be nervous, infact this can actually help you perform well on the big day.

Greeting- speak clearly and slowly. Give the interviewer a firm handshake but remember it's not a wrestling match.

Body language - Don't sit down until you are asked. Sit in an upright position, try to lean forward slightly as this will show the interviewer that you are interested. Smile where appropriate. Make eye contact with the interviewer but don't stare. In a panel interview situation focus on the person asking the question and don't forget to glance at the other members of the panel.

Your answers - Don't rush your answer, make sure you have understood the question, if not clarify. Take time to ponder your answer and try to give firm examples to back it up. If you cannot think of an answer, ask if you can move on and come back to it later. Don't be frightened to use non work related examples. Prepare to answer reasons for leaving previous employers, explain how it was a better opportunity and if you were made redundant try to express these as positively as possible.

Your questions - Have at least 5 questions prepared and plan to ask three that have not already been coverd off during the interview. Good questions should be relevant and show that you have done your research. Do not ask about salary, leave this to a later interview when it becomes more relevant. Ask when you will be given a decision.

At the end - Thank the interviewer for their time and for giving you the chance to find out more about the company. Again give a good firm handshake and smile.