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• Investing time and effort in preparing for an interview is essential, especially with so much information readily available
• Research the company's website or, if you don't have access to the internet, contact the company and ask them to send you information
• Make sure you have a job description or information regarding the relevance of the job and the salary details
• If you are working with a recruitment company, try to get as much information as possible from them
• Always remember that an interview is really about an exchange of information. The interviewer wants to assess whether you are the right person to work for their company just as you want to determine that the company, culture and position suit you
• Try, if possible to find out how long the interview will last
• A good interviewer will allow/encourage you to settle and will give the interview structure. This will ensure you both get the best from the allocated time
• If you have already identified your achievements on your cv it is more likely that they will be uppermost in your mind - a confidence booster in itself - and it will be easier to bring the subject into the conversation
• Take two copies of your cv with you in case you are asked for it but don't have it in front of you during the interview
• Be aware of your eye contact, body language, posture and handshake. Practise some breathing techniques to help you remain calm and relaxed. Some nerves are to be expected and are indeed natural but the better prepared you are, the less likely you are to experience them
• Listening is a skill which needs to be developed like any other. Try not to let nerves take over and really listen to what the interviewer is saying
• Sell yourself, but not overly so. The aim is to use your past achievements to demonstrate what you can do for the company
• Stay positive and don't criticise your previous company/boss/colleagues
• Don't discuss salary/benefits unless initiated by the interviewer
• Thank the interviewer for their time and be sure to stress your interest in the role. He/she won't know if you are still keen if you don't tell them!

If you would like any further help with cv preparation or interview techniques please don't hesitate to call us.