by Anony Mili

Created on: January 27, 2007   Last Updated: March 25, 2011

So you've landed an interview for the job that is the one you've been dreaming of for years. You can't believe your luck that you managed to secure an interview as you're sure there were 100s of applicants. You're over the moon, you tell anyone who'll listen that you've got an interview next Thursday (that's over a week away) at 3.00pm and you just can't wait to show them what a catch you'll be for them.

What do you do? Carry on working/studying/watching TV till your interview next week and wing it? God NO! Make sure you do some preparation before you turn up there all ready to show them your sparkling eyes and wonderful personality. These features/characteristics alone will not win you the job.

Preparation, preparation and yes more PREPARATION! Don't go in to an interview blind. Make sure you do some research on the company itself, find out how long it's been operating, how many staff work there or how many staff work across the UK or even worldwide if it's an international company. How many branches are there? Who started the company? Is it profitable? How does it compare with its competitors? Have they won any awards? Do they have IIP (Investors In People), ISO accreditation, etc?

Once you've done your research, you're armed and slightly dangerous to combat some of the questions at the interview itself, as more often than not, an interviewer will ask you "What do you know about the company?" Also try to find out what the job that you've applied for will entail. Ask for a job description prior to attending the interview. Don't be hesitant about asking for this. Any decent employer worth its salt should have job descriptions for all roles within the organisation. I'd be worried about applying for a role there if they didn't have one available prior to the interview. Look at the essential criteria for the role. Do you have the necessary essential skills / experience / qualifications for the role? Do you have at least a few of the other skills required, usually listed as non-essential or preferable? Think about what you've done in the past to match those skills.

Stick to some of these simple things I've noted below and it should improve your overall chances of securing a second interview and/or job offer.

1. Make sure you know how to get to your interview before you leave, don't call them up an hour before you're due to be there and say "can you give me directions to your office please?" You never know who's answering the phone - it could be your interviewer

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