INTERVIEW TIPS & ADVICE

Leading up to the interview:
It is especially important to browse their website and learn about the Company. Think about yourself as if you were interviewing you. Think about the job you are applying for and why it suits you/you suit it (if you realise it's a match made in heaven, your enthusiasm will show and this will increase your chances). Be honest with yourself about your own strengths and weaknesses and prepare possible answers (remembering that weaknesses can be strengths and vice versa).

Apart from core skills, the interviewer is looking for someone who can either save them time and money or make them time and money. What benefits can you offer in this respect? They will also be looking for someone who can get on well with others and take direction when necessary. Please dress in a business-like manner, clean and smart - and please switch off your mobile phone before you go in!

At the Interview:
Relax. If you have prepared properly, your interview will be plain sailing - and you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. They may ask the odd question that really stops you in your tracks. Don't panic. Take a short pause (2 or 3 deep breaths) while you think. If no answer comes, be honest and ask if you can return to the question later - be warned, they may remember to come back to it!

When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, it goes down well if all your questions are about the Company - its successes, plans, position in the market etc. Unless they ask you, it is best to avoid asking any questions about pay and benefits, but acceptable to ask about career prospects, the Company's training policy, staff turnover etc.

One very good final, almost parting, question is to ask if the interview has highlighted any concerns or issues which would deter them from employing you. This gives you the chance - on the spot - to nip any objections in the bud instead of reading about them in a rejection letter and having no opportunity to answer. Don't be afraid to tell them if you want this job. Use eye contact and smile.