Plan your journey in advance and always allow yourself some contingency time. If you are running late, telephone ahead to explain the situation.

Dress appropriately. Even if the environment in which you will be working is casual, you need to show that you are making an effort. Smart clothes and grooming will make a good first impression on your interviewer.

Research the organisation and its business sector - look at the web site, read the annual report, and, in advance, read at least one broadsheet newspaper each day. If you can, quiz anyone you know who has worked there.

Prepare answers to standard questions - such as why you want the job, where it fits in with your career plans and consider responses to the inevitable “what are your strengths and weaknesses” question.

Be ready with a few questions for the interviewer which show that you have done your homework on the organisation. The recruiter wants to know that you are on the ball.

Confirm before the meeting who will be interviewing you - it could throw you if you are faced with an interview panel of six people when you were expecting a one to one meeting.

If you can, ask about the format of the interview - for example will there be any personality or skills testing?

Read through your CV and application letter again before going to the interview to refresh yourself on key points to discuss

At the interview:

Do:

• Turn up on time and be polite to everyone you meet - you never know who might have a say in your appointment.
• Make the most of your research - mention some of the facts you have gleaned from the media, etc.
• Make sure you talk to everyone if it is a panel interview.
• Find out as much as you can about the job; for example you may want to know who the job reports to and why it has become vacant.
• If the first interview is with a recruitment consultant, ensure you get as much information about the organisation and the job as possible before deciding to meet with the company recruiting.

Do not:

• Be late - in fact arrive early so you have time to prepare yourself.
• Criticise current or previous employers.
• Answer a question with another question.
• Interrupt the interviewers - although they may interrupt you.
• Leave without finding out when you will hear if you have made it to the next round of the recruitment process, and what that next step will entail.

After the interview

Congratulate yourself on what went well, but importantly, learn from your mistakes. Make a list of the questions you answered well and those you answered poorly. Think about what you should have said so you?re ready

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback if you don't get the job. Good employers are increasingly geared up for this. Also, you may want to apply to this organisation again and it shows you are still interested.