Some people "interview better" than others, but it essentially comes down to two factors: preparation and confidence.

Interviewers are continually amazed by the number of candidates who are not fully prepared, and who possess little or no knowledge of the company they supposedly wish to work for. You should at least look at the company's website, keep abreast of all recent news concerning both the firm and the industry, and obtain a copy of their brochure.

It may seem obvious, but ensure that you know the exact time and location of your interview, who you are seeing, what their position is within the company, and how you pronounce their name. First impressions are essential. It is estimated that 90% of interviewers have formed an opinion of the interviewee within the first minute of meeting them.

The golden rule with interview questions is never to answer with just "yes" or "no": always explain your response. There are certain questions which you will almost certainly be asked in any interview, so be prepared with answers.

Why are you looking for a new job?

If you want to leave your present job for negative reasons, be very careful in how you express this to an interviewer. Turn it around to sound positive. Being negative or even rude about your current/previous employer or company can be seriously detrimental. Mention that you are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility or a change of environment, but do not speak of remuneration in connection with your desire for a new job. If you are new to Ireland, explain your reasons for coming here (usually to gain international experience).

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Your strengths should always be backed up with examples. Weaknesses should always be turned into strengths. For example: "I am a perfectionist, which means I set very high standards. If I am working as part of a team and someone is not pulling their weight, it will frustrate me. I will handle this by approaching the individual and discussing with them how it can be resolved, rather than letting the frustration build up, and losing my temper."

What can you offer our company?

The key to this is not to use clich?s. Any company will ultimately be looking for someone who can help increase their profits, so bear this in mind when responding. You need to prove you have an exceptional talent, so answers such as "I love selling", or "I'm a good communicator" will not wash. Back up your response with quantitative examples.

Do not underestimate the power of body language. The way in which you present yourself will tell an employer much more about you than your CV ever could. Always dress smartly, even if company policy dictates otherwise. Your handshake should be firm, and you should always maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Always smile, and show that you are a good listener as well as a good orator. Acknowledge the interviewer's speech with nods, and if there is more than one present, switch your glance between them regularly. If you tend to gesticulate, hold back, as it suggests nervousness. Avoid fidgeting, and keep good posture, as this communicates so much about your confidence levels. Above all, be natural. It will be plainly obvious if you are trying too hard.

It is a very expensive decision to hire somebody, and companies like to feel assured that if they select you for the job, that you will stay with them for a reasonable amount of time (minimum 12 months). They may even ask you during the interview how long do you think you would do this job for. Your response will be crucial!! Assuming you have done your research on the company, and are fully aware of what the job entails, you must be able to convince them that you are there for the long haul, rather than just a short term fix!! Our advice is that if you are only looking for a short term stay, and it is a permanent position, then you shouldn?t be going for this job. If you leave after only 2-3 months in a job it looks very bad on your CV and it may cause you problems in the future. (No employer likes a job hopper!!!)

To conclude, interviews are not something to be feared. Be aware of the common pitfalls, as outlined earlier, and speak confidently, but not arrogantly. Most importantly of all, be prepared but be yourself.