Some of us love interviews, but, most of us look forward to them with a degree of trepidation. Each job application will include at least one interview, if not two or three. As in everything we do, it is possible to improve technique so we've included a list of things you should consider:

• Do your research, on the job and the organisation. Get their web site, look for relevant articles in the national and specialist press.
• Check how you match the requirements of the role and make sure you understand where you fit in and what you can offer.
• Anticipate the questions you're likely to be asked and try different answers.
• Dress the part, always dress smartly unless told otherwise. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
• Plan the journey, make sure you won't get lost or delayed.
• Listen carefully to anything your interviewer says and ask questions, you're there to find out information as well!
• Once inside smile (you'll feel better) and enjoy yourself - the worst potential outcome is that you are not offered the position.

Doing research. The essential starting point for your success is to know as much as possible about the post you are being interviewed for. Potential sources of information include;

• The advertisement (if there is one).
• Additional information available on request from the employer or consultant handling the vacancy.
• Preliminary telephone or face-to-face discussion with the employer or consultant.
• Personal contacts

Find out what the company does, its ownership (public or private, part of a group or independent, UK or other nationality), its size, history, structure (especially of the relevant site, area or department), present degree of prosperity and financial soundness, and culture.

Technical, IQ or Psychometric tests

You may be required to complete a technical, IQ or psychometric test. You can prepare for a technical test and practice IQ tests. Always approach them calmly and answer the questions as instructed. Some companies place a lot of importance on psychometric tests but the key thing is not to worry about them. It is very difficult to trick them, try to answer honestly.

Consider the likely interview format

Interview techniques vary as much as the people carrying them out. Whilst any style may be adopted, it is more common for interviews to be conducted in a friendly, open way, especially by experienced interviewers. `Stress interviews', in which the candidate is deliberately embarrassed or put under undue pressure, are very rare. Personality tests, technical tests and aptitude tests (where your logic and problem solving abilities are assessed) may be incorporated in the procedure, and occasionally group discussions and presentations. You may be given the chance to see the operation at work, and meet those involved.

Dress the part

Always appear at interview smartly and appropriately dressed; Too much scent or after-shave should be avoided, as should any extremes of colour or pattern in clothes. You may want to take your portfolio, containing samples of our work, even if it’s not requested. To be helpful, such things must be really relevant and easy to look at during an interview (don't try and impress with a 200,000 line program).

Plan the journey

Nothing is worse than arriving late, breathless or flustered for an interview. Allow plenty of time for the journey. If you have any doubts about how to get there, check carefully before starting out. Some employers will send a map; others seem to regard finding them as part of the selection process.

Listen carefully

Many of the worst mistakes at interview arise from candidates who fail to hear or understand questions or statements that are made. Listen consciously and carefully, and be sure you understand what is said before responding. It is much better to check, by repeating or paraphrasing the question or even asking for it to be repeated, than to go ahead with an irrelevant answer. The order in which questions are asked, particularly supplementary and probing questions, will often give an indication of what is in the interviewer's mind; you should notice this and react accordingly. Good interviewers will be watching body language; posture, gestures and facial expression. You should do the same; some interviewers deliberately present an unresponsive, wooden mask, but with practice you should be able to assess their intentions and reactions reasonably well.

Ask questions

Good interviewers - especially consultants, who often play the role of an honest broker between candidate and employer - will offer plenty of chances to fill any gaps in your knowledge. Never hesitate to ask questions. It is always a good idea to have one or two ready to ask, and much better if these are not focused on `pay and rations'. These questions should be planned before the interview, although you may naturally add to your list as the interview progresses.