It is vital to do as much research as possible on the company. If they have a website you must visit it and gather as much information as you can. If you do not know if they have a website telephone them and ask the receptionist. If you do not have a computer at home use someone else’s or go to the library or an internet café. If you are asked in interview whether you have visited the company’s website there is no excuse for the answer to be ‘No’.

Telephone the potential employer and ask for any company literature that may be available.

Get as much information as you can from your recruitment consultant.

Make sure you have been given a copy of the job description if there is one – there isn’t always. Learn it and make sure you can link your relevant experience to the requirements of the new role.

If at interview you can demonstrate you have a good understanding of the role and the company you will be giving yourself the best possible chance of success.

Ensure you are completely familiar with your own CV – be clear on the dates of each period of employment and so on.

Ensure you can give examples to back up the skills you have listed on your CV – you will be asked.

Be prepared to explain any gaps in your employment history – be honest but be positive

List your strengths and weaknesses – interviewers often ask for them. When discussing a weakness try and select something that is not due to a personal failure and that could be remedied given the opportunity. A candidate who described his weakness as ‘being lazy’ was being honest but it isn’t a recommended answer. A more positive answer might be ‘ I realise that my IT skills are not as strong as they could be as a lot of my work at my current employer is completed manually. I am, however, aware of this and have decided to take evening classes to improve my knowledge’. This style of answer satisfies the interviewer’s desire for a weakness, whilst showing it is something you have identified and are addressing.

Know the interview format – who will conduct the interview, what are their job titles, will it be a formal interview following a set pattern with set questions or will it be more conversational in style.

Confirm the location and if necessary go and visit it prior to the interview to ensure you will not have problems on the actual day. Arriving late for an interview is unacceptable even if there is a good reason for it. Aim to arrive early and then wait before going in. It is better to sit in the car or go for a coffee nearby rather than wait in the employer’s reception for half an hour. Generally it is advisable to enter the employer’s premises 5 – 10 minutes before the interview. Arriving very early can create a negative impression and although not as bad as being late should still be avoided wherever possible. Do not under estimate the influence of the receptionist; be polite and courteous at all times.

Interviews can be nerve wracking but being as well prepared as possible can help a great deal. Finally, remember it is a two way process and it is equally important you find out what you need to know about them as an employer – ask questions.