Research the employer and the job

• Find out as much as possible about the employer and the job as this will give you an advantage over other candidates who may not make the effort. Methods include:
- The internet – the company website
- Search engines to find articles/other information about the company.
• Job description/ person specification – make sure you understand what the job entails.
• Try to get hold of any marketing literature, press packs, annual report and accounts. If an agency has got you the interview, they should have literature on file. If you are going direct to the company ring reception or the marketing dept.

Match your skills, experience, achievements and qualities to the employer's needs

• From the job description list the tasks, which you will be involved in and opposite each one list your skills, experience and qualities that matches the task. Remember to highlight the benefit these have brought to a previous employer.
• A few real life stories to illustrate your achievements are more likely to be remembered by the interviewer and to promote their interest, but remember not to waffle.

Practice talking about yourself

• Be prepared to talk briefly about your background, including reasons for education/career choices you have made (e.g. Reasons for changes in career direction, reasons for joining and leaving employers). Think about this in advance so that you can ensure any “negatives” are presented to the employer in a positive way.
• Be positive. Do not draw attention to your weaknesses and never criticise former managers/employers.
• Back up your answers with relevant examples.

Present a positive image

• The way you look and how you dress, and how you say things has a tremendous impact on the outcome of the interview. Research shows that many untrained interviewers make up their mind about you in the first 5 minutes.
• It is important to have eye contact with the interviewer.
- look him/ her in the eye when you first meet
- look at him/ her most of the time when they are talking
- look at him/ her some of the time when you are talking
• Body language as a whole is also important
– Shake hands firmly and confidentially
– Smile a lot
– Do not slouch, sit fairly upright
– Do not cross your arms
– Do not chew gum
– Lean forwards slightly and smile when answering a question to show enthusiasm
• Dress appropriately - first impressions count and, like it or not, your appearance can say a lot about you. Make sure that the impression you give is professional and business like.

Plan your journey

• Consider a 'dummy run' before the day if you are not familiar with the area - check how long the journey will take. If necessary ask the employer for directions, bus, train routes or details of car parking.
• Aim to arrive approx 10 minutes before the interview time.