If you are new to the job market, or it’s been a long time since you last looked for a job then practice is key. 

• Don’t expect to be the perfect candidate straight out of the gates. When you do get an interview remember it’s an opportunity to brush up your ‘story’ and learn from the experience. There is nothing more disappointing than fluffing an interview for a job you really wanted simply because you were out of practice. 

• If you can, video yourself in conversation with a friend, you will be surprised with the Results – did you know you had a tendency to stick fingers in places they shouldn’t be while you are talking?

• Be clear about what you are going to say – break your experience and achievements into manageable, bite size, great sounding chunks. So many good candidates blow it by waffling on and not knowing when to stop. 

Do your homework on the company. The internet provides a wealth of information about companies, both good and bad.

• Knowing your stuff demonstrates your interest and should also help you compile a list of intelligent questions to ask during the interview. And no: “What’s the salary” is not an intelligent question to ask. Save that one for much later.

• Don’t just rely on the corporate website blurb – most of that is marketing guff anyway which might be stretching the truth a little. Try to find bulletin or discussion boards, Facebook groups or blogs on the web where investors and employees exchange messages about the company. These can be found on most of the major search engines. Google is a good place to start.

• Once you have done your research, decide what you want to know from them. Prepare your questions well to make sure you have all you need to decide whether you want to go back if they invite you for a second interview.

This is all about the way you come across in the interview.

• Be confident in your abilities but not arrogant. The best approach is to be natural – the more the real you comes through, the better performance you will give.   

• Appear interested, even if you are not. I would counsel you not to take a job where the role or company isn’t your ‘ideal or dream job’ but the reality of life is that you may not have the choice in the current climate.

This is so important but it’s not just about wearing something smart. 

• Several recent surveys put ‘poor image’ as the number one and ‘weak handshake’ as the number five pet hate of bosses. Similarly, ‘well turned out’, ‘well spoken’ ‘good appearance’ and ‘good manners’ were all listed as the top things bosses looked for at the interview.

• If it’s been a while, consider some new clothes if you can afford to. You would be amazed how many people turn up in clothes that look like they had slept in them.

• Smart does not have to mean ‘suited and booted’. Wear something that suits you and that you feel confident and comfortable in, whilst still being appropriate for the event.

1. Preparation is the key – do your homework.

2. Know when you have said enough – boring the interviewer is the ultimate crime.

3. Presentation is paramount – don’t just look the part, sound it too.