The majority of employers still use an interview as part of their recruitment process. These days this could be either face to face or via the telephone. Here are a few tips to help you prepare yourself adequately:

• Know your CV – it sounds obvious but make sure you can talk about, justify or expand anything that you have included in your CV.
• Be on time – punctuality conveys a positive work ethic as well as respect for the interviewer.
• Be ready to answer the “Strengths and Weakness” question. The interview will use it as a way of assessing how aware you are of your own abilities and shortcomings. Be positive but do not waffle.
• Research the company.
• Have some of your own questions ready to ask – it will show that you really have given the role some thought and are keen to join the company.
• To do well you will need to convince the interviewer that you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to demonstrate that you will be able to fit into the organisation structure and the team. You should have relevant examples to support this.
• Ensure that your handshake is firm and convincing.
• Do not say negative things about previous employer or colleagues even if your annoyance is justified the interviewer will consider this to be inappropriate.