What do I say at interview?

If you want to impress - make sure you've done your research first

Job interviews can scare the most confident of people, but being properly prepared will help make the whole experience less intimidating.

Find out everything you can about your prospective employer and its key personnel.

The annual report will be a terrific resource, as will press cuttings. Ringing the company in advance to request information is also a good idea.

Before you head off to the interview make sure you have re-read your application and CV - you will be quizzed on the points you have raised - and try to work out what questions you are likely to be asked.

Expect them to ask why you want the job, why you think you are suitable, why you want to leave your current employer and what you can bring to the role.

First impressions

Remember your fate can be decided before you get the chance to utter your first words to the boss. If you are late (regardless of the reason) and are not smartly dressed then the chances are your application will immediately hit the reject pile.

Work out how long you comfortably need to get to the interview, then add at least another half an hour, and ensure you look the part.

Once there, be courteous to everyone, particularly your interviewers, while resisting the temptation to be overly ingratiating - this will only look false.

Interview tips Find out about the company Practise questions with your friends Be on time Look the interviewer in the eye

During the interview be confident; answering questions clearly and precisely. Don't waffle. Cut to the main salient points.

Concentrate on the positives you can bring to the job. Without being phoney, get across your enthusiasm and dedication.

It is crucially important not to mention money at this stage and avoid at all costs the temptation to be negative about your present employer. If pushed on the subject you can, for example, say you are very happy with your current job but feel the new position provides even more opportunity for personal growth and development.

It is important to have questions to ask. Put together a list before you go which should include areas such as the hierarchical structure of the firm, what your responsibilities will be and the company's future plans.

Of course the salary package is important, but wait until the end to bring this up - ideally until the interviewers raise it themselves.