Before your interview find out what you can about the company. Use the Internet for research and make yourself aware of issues in the news about the company concerned. Prepare some good answers to the questions your interviewers might ask you. Try to anticipate the general questions which will be asked and prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. Remember to find out whether this company can offer you the career you are looking for. To do well at the interview you will need to convince your interviewer that you are technically qualified to do the job and you will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done, and that you will fit well within the company's organisational structure and the team in which you will work. Your Echo consultant will help with interview technique advice prior to interview.

Preparation
It is vital to arrive adequately prepared for interview, with sufficient knowledge about the company. Time spent prior to the interview researching the organisation will pay off on the day. In order to approach the interview successfully you should also carry out a mini self-assessment of your professional profile and experience to date, the qualifications you possess and where you want to go with your career. Write down a few points about your strengths and weaknesses so that you have a clear idea of what to say (or not) in the interview.

Examples to consider:

• Self-confidence
  
  
• Leadership by example
  
  
• Commitment and determination
  
  
• Enthusiasm and stamina
  
  
• Good judgment and confident decision-making
  
  
• Willing to take responsibility
  
  
• Initiative and creativity
  
  
• Organisational ability
  
  
• Sensitivity to people

Ask yourself

• In which areas can I really improve?
  
  
• What were the tasks and situations I had the most difficulty with?
  
  
• In which instances did my colleagues react negatively towards me?
  
  
• Why am I leaving my present job?

These could be some of the questions asked at the interview and this task will help you formulate suitable answers.

Essential Interview Dos and Don'ts

• DO smile and maintain good eye contact throughout
  
  
• DO dress conservatively
  
  
• DO come prepared with a list of questions to ask - showing an interest in the company with intelligent questions is the best way to impress
  
  
• DON'T answer questions with just a "yes" or "no" - always back up answers with examples
  
  
• DON'T be the first one to bring up the subject of salary
  
  
• DON'T condemn your current/previous employer

The most important thing to take with you to the interview is a positive attitude. Remind yourself that you have been short-listed from many other applicants; therefore you stand a pretty good chance of getting the job.