Listen attentively. Make eye contact. Show you know the about the organisation and let them know exactly why you would like to work there and what you can offer them. Make it clear that you can offer more thaN what they are asking for. Ensure they know if you get the job you'll give 110 per cent, you'll be their hardest worker and take every opportunity you are given. Give full answers to questions with examples of your skills. Give a little bit extra and maintain a positive attitude. However, beware, don’t confuse enthusiasm for desperation. Some mistakes you can make are begging for a job, non stop talking and rabbling on and on after a question has been asked.

Preparation , preparation, preparation

Prepare by going to every interview you can go to even if you think the job may not be for you. You can learn so much by practising your interview techniques in a proper interview situation. The more experience at interviews you get, the better you will be when the interview comes up for your dream job.

Look smart

Nothing impresses more than when a smartly dressed person walks into the interviewing room. It shows you have made an effort and care about the job. Check your nails, shoes and hair. Ensure you a comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you’re not used to wearing a suit, go out in your suit before the interview and wear it for the day.

Tackling nerves

Most people have some kind of nerves before an interview. This is healthy and will be expected by the interviewer. However if you’re one of those people who get so nervous they mess up interviews my advice to you would be to practice them. Apply for jobs just for the interview practice and feel the fear and do it anyway. Go to interviews, make mistakes. It’s good to make mistakes if you learn from them, don’t worry about messing up a few interviews. The more interviews you do the easier they will be. I have made a fool of myself at interview and I'm not the only one, many people do.

However, even when you’re fully prepared, have been to lots of interviews and are sailing along at your dream job interview, nerves can attack. The most common problem is when you are asked a question and your mind goes blank. Firstly, this happens to so many people all the time. It’s probably happened in an interview the interviewers partook in earlier that day so don’t panic. Firstly, give yourself time to think. Let the interviewers know, I just need a moment to think about the answer or ask them to repeat the question. This is fine and actually shows confidence. Alternatively, repeat to the interviewer the question you think they are asking, this will help clarify the question in your mind. Breathe and relax and nine times out of ten you will regain composure. If a good answer doesn’t come try and give an answer as best as you can. Sometimes when you start talking, it helps you to get back on track. The worse that can happen is you can’t answer the question. In this case, be honest and ask if you can come back to the question at the end of the interview.

Ask questions

Make a list of well thought out questions to ask but don’t necessarily wait until the end of the interview to ask them (although it always good to ask a couple then. It’s good to ask questions as you go along as it shows interest and enthusiasm.

Answer questions

When answering questions always offer evidence to back up your claims. Always give examples of where you have used skills. For example, when asked “What can you offer the company” don’t just say I’m hardworking, reliable, and a team player. Give examples of where you have worked hard at previous jobs and what you have achieved through your hard work.

Body language

A huge percentage of your communication is done through body language. (Some studies have estimated 65 to 90 per cent of communication is non-verbal). So be aware of it during interviews. A firm handshake, smiling and good eye contact are all examples of positive body language during interviews. In panel interviews, keep good eye contact with the person asking the question but make regular eye contact with other panel members too to ensure you are engaging them. Also read the interviewers body language. For example, if he is writing lots when you first begin answering questions and then stops while you speak for a while longer, you may be speaking for a bit too long.

Don't worry about repeating everything you've put in your CV

Interviewers often glance at CVs before the interview but it is unlikely they will remember a lot of what you have said in it. Therefore don’t assume that they know what’s in the CV. Make sure you highlight all the top achievements and experience you have written in there.

Practise, practise, practise

Practise your inteview techniques before the interview as much as you can. Practise your handshake, practise answering questions in front of the mirror, practise positive thinking, practise everything you can. The more you act out eventualities before the interview, the more confident you will feel just before and during the interview.

Think positively

Boost your confidence in the interview with some positive self talk. Tell yourself "I can get this job", "I have so much to offer this position", "I'll handle any difficult questions". I promise if you repeat positive sentences such as these you will feel so much better than if you fill your mind with anxious, negative thoughts. And, if you feel better, you'll perform better