Attending a job interview requires careful preparation. The more you prepare the more confident and informed you will be, increasing your chances of creating a good impression. It is vital that your first impression leaves the interviewer feeling positive about you. In some cases it's the only opportunity you will have to impress the interviewer with your knowledge and skills, so make the most of it. There are no second chances.

Some of the most important things to remember are:-

Be sure you know the exact location of the interview and where to report when you arrive.

Recheck the job requirements. Become familiar with the requirements of your potential employer

Have all your paperwork to hand that maybe required including any references.

Prepare your answers to anticipated questions. You know the job requirements so think of other questions which may be asked about you and such as your ideas, opinions and general interests.

Do some research on the Company which is recruiting. This is important. It will enable you to ask pertinent questions, proving that you are sufficiently interested in the company by having spent time and effort in gleaning as much information as possible about it. Such research reflects a keen enthusiasm for the job on offer.

Try not to display any signs of nervousness. Always be confident and positive and be clear and concise in your answers to questions. Self assurance rather than arrogance is often the key to a successful interview. On no account resort to "waffle". It will only make you look foolish. There are several things you can do to make the interview pleasant and successful, depending on your approach.

When you attend an interview always take care with your dress. Dress smartly without being overdressed or too casual. We have mentioned before the need to appear confident and it is essential to appear confident when first meeting the person or persons who are carrying out the interview. As we have said you only get the one chance to make a good impression. It is particularly important to be punctual. Being late for an appointment is inexcusable as it indicates you are unreliable. It is far better to err on the safe side and be an hour early rather than five minutes late. If you are too early you can always brush up your interview preparation, have a coffee or go for a walk until the appointed time.

When you enter the office where the interview is being held, show that you're at ease, smile at and offer a handshake to the interviewer. Wait until you are asked before you sit down and hold on to any papers or brief case you carrying until you're actually sitting down. Never put any of your belongings onto the desk or table at which the interviewers are seated. Assume a polite expression and don't slouch. Once you have met the interviewer(s) and the introductions are completed you can now relax. Take a look round, be observant, interested and alert.

Now is the chance to show how proficient and experienced you are. This is the moment to exhibit your professionalism along with your knowledge and skills. If there's a question you don't understand ask for it to be repeated. If you still don't understand the question say so. If the interviewer outlines a problem within their company offer a solution, or at least make a suggestion on how the problem may be overcome. Always be positive, accurate and clear. Showing these attributes helps to convince the interviewer that you have self control, a requirement for any person who needs to exercise control in the workplace. To add to your credibility always ask questions about the company, its plans and past performance in addition to what developments are due to take place. Also ask what your prospects will be if you prove you have the ability to control, develop and improve on the current job under offer.

At the end of the interview you will be told you'll be informed of the outcome. Thank the interviewer(s) for their attention and time and confirm you are still interested in the job (if you are) before you leave.

The above points will help you to perform well at a job interview. Think about them and apply them and you'll have a considerable advantage over all the other applicants.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Interviews