How to Have a Great Interview

What we wanted to find out for you was:

Do the interview answers packages available provide you with all the answers to all the interview questions you may come across and give you all the strategies you need to win the job offer?

Do they give you the information in a way that you can understand and use it easily? Even more do they explain why interviewers ask their sometimes 'stupid' questions?

To score highly in our reviews they must do all this and give you ways to quickly improve your interview performance AND in a package that provides overall value for money.

We reviewed 5 of the top selling interview guides:

• Killer Interview Secrets

• Job Interview Formula

• Top Interview Answers!

• Interview Manuscript

• Teacher's Interview Guide

As you see, we have reviewed 5 of the top interview guides on the market and found them to be generally of high standard, BUT there is one guide that was outstanding and received our highest rating! Find out which guide scored highest marks.

Our smart interview guide reviews should set you on the way to winning the job you desire. Just think what that will feel like!

You can help the interviewer to justify the decision to choose you by answering their unspoken question "What's in it for me?"

Inevitably, many of the questions you will be asked during your job interview will focus on your past experience and accomplishments, however, you must make them relevant to today!

TOP TIP: Although they are asking about what you did in the past, what they really want to know is what you can do for them both NOW and in FUTURE.

If you can frame your answers so that your past accomplishments appear relevant to both the present and future demands of the specific job for which you are being interviewed, you will thrust yourself ahead of other candidates immediately.

This means that you should do your research into the business thoroughly so you know what they need now and what future plans they may have.

First Impressions are formed when someone meets you for the first time, as at an initial job interview.

When you meet they will form their impression as they first see you, hear you and (I hope NOT) smell you! Click Here If You're Worried About Bad Breath!, get a free short report (opens in a new window).

If their senses tell them something is disagreeable, whether they realise it or not, your chances of getting hired go down the pan!

Its also a known fact that height and happiness tend to go hand in hand, but did you know that tall people get better jobs than short people? Height gives the allusion of authority so it makes sense, if you're lacking in height, to follow these tips to help you look taller.

First impressions are very strongly affected by how someone reacts to the way you are (your demeanour) and the largest part of that is what we call your 'body language'. This article which I wrote a little while back explains why your body language is so important to the way someone reacts to YOU and hence whether they have good impressions about you. This reaction could be crucial to the outcome of your interview.

Read more about first impressions and how body language affects people's reactions First Impressions

10 Best Job Interview Strategies

These are the best job interview strategies to follow if you want to win your next interview and get the job offer.

1. Study the company
One of the best job interview strategies that most candidates ignore is to study the current events of the company. Knowing what the current events of the company is important so that you can ask pertinent questions. Doing so will show the interviewer that you have done your homework, and also have a genuine interest in the company. This strategy will definitely help your job interview.

2. Know your resume
As a candidate, you should be very familiar with your resume. In any job interview, anything on your resume is at the interviewer's disposal. Implementing this job interview strategy will help build credibility with your interviewer. It is your responsibility to convince the interviewer that you can come in and do the job. Speaking intelligently about each of your previous positions will help do this, and is one of the best job interviewing tips to follow.

3. Prepare an interview emergency kit
Many candidates don't properly prepare for a job interview. Getting together a "job interview kit" is a great job interview strategy to follow. Suggested items for the kit include extra copies of your resume, directions to the office, a bottle of water, eye drops, pens, and notepad. But you should only bring the extra copies of your resume into the office with you, preferably in a portfolio.

4. Study job description
After landing an interview, you need to study the job description to truly understand what the interviewer is looking for. If the description calls for attentiveness to detail, you will want to tailor the discussion accordingly. Knowing this, you can navigate the interview and discuss examples from previous jobs that will exemplify this trait. Do this for all significant traits or qualities that you identify in the job description. This is one of the best job interview preparation techniques I have used, and know that it can bring you success.

5. Build rapport
You know the saying, "There's never a second chance to make a first impression?" That holds very true in the case of job interviews. That is why building rapport is such an important job interview strategy. Shake hands, make eye contact, and smile. Put those three together when you first meet your interviewer and it will set a positive tone for the rest of the interview.

6. Make eye contact
Making positive eye contact is one of the best job interview strategies to follow. Eye contact is one of the strongest forms of nonverbal communication. A person's qualities and personality can be detected simply based on eye contact. Making direct eye contact communicates confidence and high self-esteem, two key qualities employers look for in candidates.

Thus, it is very important that you make eye contact when you first meet interviewer and shake hands. And during the interview, it is important to make eye contact, not only when you talk, but also as you listen. Simply doing this job interview strategy will greatly help your chances of success in an interview.

7. Body language
Just as eye contact speaks volumes about you, so does your body language. Proper body language conveys confidence and high self-esteem. During the interview, things like sitting up straight with your chest out and keeping a pleasant demeanor on your face will project confidence. The interviewer will be aware of this, and it will help you stand out in his/her mind.

8. Display your skills with concrete examples
When it comes to discussing their skills, many candidates make the mistake of "telling" instead of "showing." One of the best job interview strategies is to use concrete examples to demonstrate their skills to the interviewer. For example, if one of your skills is successfully handling multiple tasks at once, providing an example of how you do that will help paint a picture for the interviewer. It also gives the interviewer something to "hold on to" once the interview is over, and helps him/her remember you when it comes to decision time.

9. Be yourself
A common mistake that many candidates make is not being themselves. Some feel that they need to fit a certain mold and act accordingly. This will only end up hurting both parties in the end when your "true" personality comes out. You will be surprised how easy it is to detect insincerity during an interview. Thus, it is important to be professional, but also maintain your true essence. When you do this, your sincerity and genuineness will be picked up by the interviewer. This is one of the best job interview strategies to implement, and will go a long way in determining your success.

10. Follow up quickly
After the job interview, send a thank you note to the interview. These days, an email is fine, but traditionally a handwritten card is sent. Whatever method you choose, do it promptly after the interview. The correspondence should be sent the next day after the interview. Many hiring decisions are made quickly these days, so timeliness is very important.

You now have 10 of the best job interview strategies to follow.

There are many aspects of a successful job interview, but if you implement these 10 best job interview strategies listed above, your chances of success will skyrocket!

Killer Interview Secrets

These Killer Interview Secrets can be downloaded to your PC and read off-line at your own pace, when convenient.

There are certain common job interview mistakes that you want to do your best to avoid.

Making any one of these can hurt your chances of getting the job or have the employer hire another candidate who didn't make these common job interview mistakes.

Everything is laid out for easy learning. The Killer Interview Strategies will make sure you 'ace' your next interview.

Work through the strategies which start with a handshake and include confidence building tactics. Free Report.      Order...

This book covers all the interview questions that may come up; your confidence will soar when you hear them ask questions you've already prepared the answers to!

Everything from "Tell me about yourself" to "what are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "why should we offer you this job?" are covered and answered.

I have found a way for you to do some practice careers questionnaires - numerical reasoning - verbal reasoning - aptitude tests - logical reasoning and a careers explorer which will give you an exact idea of what you may face before your next interview.

Assessment or careers questionnaires are structured systematic ways of evaluating how people perform on tasks or react to different situations. They all have standardized methods of administration and scoring so that the results may be quantified and compared with how others have done under the same conditions on the same tests (norm groups). Careers Questionnaire are increasingly administered on a computer.

There are the following timed, careers questionnaires and free practice aptitude tests on the web site which will help you, including answers and working out:

• Numerical Reasoning


• Numerical Reasoning: Graphs and Tables


• Letter Sequences (logical reasoning)


• Non-Verbal Reasoning (spatial ability / diagrammatic reasoning)


• Verbal Reasoning


• Verbal Reasoning (synonyms and antonyms)


• Vocabulary Test


• Spelling and punctuation test for applications not strictly a psychometric test, but will help with verbal skills.


• Lateral (Creative) Thinking Quiz


• Careers Explorer not strictly a test, but a quick and easy to use program to help you choose a career.

Careers questionnaire tests are usually only part of the overall assessment procedure when you apply for a job. Employers will use them alongside face to face interviews, standardized application forms and other selection methods, so your numerical or verbal reasoning test results are not the only information considered.

This site with the free careers tests is primarily for the university students, but hey its a public site so use it while you can and learn more about these tests. There’s also a lot more information now on my Careers website at Careers Questionnaires

This is one of the best ways to help you with free career guides to download.

You've probably seen my Premium Career Guides on sale on the website, so I thought, what if they could be downloaded FREE?

So what I've managed to do is to strike a deal with some of the bigger advertisers to sponsor the cost of the Premium Career Guides and let you get them free, if you agree to look at some of their offers. Not everyone will qualify for the free download but its worth looking at what the advertisers are offering anyway.

And besides that, the incredible deal on my Premium Career Guides is great value even if you had to pay for them! With all the info you need to get a new job - free cover letters - free resumes - free interview answers etc, etc.

Here is how it works:




So take a look and get your free downloads.

Do something to shorten the odds right now to raise your interview success rate: download your FREE '5 Killer Interview Strategies' Report and read it carefully for five of the best strategies you can use to rise above your competition and ace your job interview.

What You will learn immediately:

• How important building rapport is to the interview process.
  
• Eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence and high self-esteem. This holds especially true when interviewing.
  
• Why having proper knowledge of the company and its industry will score points with the interviewer.
  
• How your body language communicates confidence and high self-esteem and how to use it in interviews.
  
• How to properly communicate any of your skills to the interviewer in less than two minutes.

Download your FREE '5 Killer Interview Strategies' Report and read it carefully!

Your job search can feel like a numbers game with the odds stacked against you. You know what I mean? You send out 300 job application letters and get maybe six invitations to interview.

If you're lucky, you might be rewarded with one job offer. And you are grateful, after all it's a job. But if you don't get that offer, you start your job search again...

You send out three hundred job application cover letters with your resume etc. etc.

What you need is to find a way to shorten the odds and that can be easier than you think.

Most people still work the numbers and with the unemployment rate increasing across all economies, the competition is just getting bigger. It means more people are sending out those application letters as their main job search activity and any organization that IS hiring is becoming more overwhelmed with job seekers who are desperate.

This is where you have the opportunity to shorten the odds.

Even a small improvement in your job search skills will put you way in front of most other people in the market; if you can make small improvements in each of the key areas that really matter, you can give yourself a MASSIVE ADVANTAGE and win more job offers.

Go HERE NOW! and shorten your job search odds

Skill emphasis during the interview is important to show the employer what makes you different from all the other job candidates. In this competitive world, companies search for the most qualified employees by weighing skills of the candidates and determining how they would benefit the company.

Majority of the top companies search for employers who stands out based from their expertise, ability to give new developments, and pleasing personalities that would enhance the organization.

Skills are grouped into three kinds - knowledge-based, transferable, and personal traits.

1) Knowledge-based skills are those learned from experiences. These may include educational attainment, additional training, seminars attended, and other practices that you have studied to enhance your expertise.

Knowledge-based skills include computer and communication skills, marketing or managerial knowledge, product development, and many more. These skills vary depending on the field of industry of each job candidate.

2) Transferable or portable skills are those you bring to a specific job. This is the reason why interviewers ask, "What could you offer the company?" Transferable skills are important because companies strive to look for quality employees that would improve the development of the workforce.

Portable skills include problem solving, team leader potential, organized, writing and communication skills, customer service oriented, time and project management, and good with numbers and budget. This kind of skills varies depending on the experience and versatility of each job candidate.

3) Personal traits determine who you are. In a job interview, one of the most common things an employer says is "Tell me something about yourself." Your response is vital because it would set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Personal traits include good judgment, well organized, analytical, goal oriented, flexible, creative and many more. Try to sell yourself in as modest as possible within a limited time.

Self-assessment. In order to provide an impressive presentation, examine your resume and list all the skills you have used for each past job experience. Make a comprehensive list of your skills and strengths including personal traits, knowledge-based and transferable skills. This would be the basis for your personal career overview statement.

Once you have completed your script, you are now ready to face the interviewer. Remember that employers are interested in your accomplishments. Use words that are concise, direct and clear.

Although many companies require a unique set of skills, you should still highlight your technical skills in the interview. These skills, which top companies usually seek, include leadership, communication, confidence, flexibility, problem solving and energy.

Emphasizing all of your relevant strengths and skills on job interviews increase your chances of landing the desired job.

Here is a good way to Analyze Your Skills

Do something else right now to raise your interview success rate: download your FREE '5 Killer Interview Strategies' Report and read it carefully for five of the best strategies you can use to rise above your competition and ace your job interview.

What You will learn immediately:

• How important building rapport is to the interview process.
  
• Eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence and high self-esteem. This holds especially true when interviewing.
  
• Why having proper knowledge of the company and its industry will score points with the interviewer.
  
• How your body language communicates confidence and high self-esteem and how to use it in interviews.
  
• How to properly communicate any of your skills to the interviewer in less than two minutes.

Download your FREE '5 Killer Interview Strategies' Report and read it carefully!

Many people enjoy the freedom and relaxed lifestyle of working at freelance jobs, but with today's difficult times it may be the solution for a larger number of people. When employers lack the confidence to hire someone full-time, they often turn to freelancers to get the jobs done.

Get information about finding freelance jobs or Write for Discussion Boards: $1200 per week...Find thousands of freelance jobs like these for just $7.00 registration fee.

Great Interview Preparations:

Free Interview Tips
Killer Interview Answers Free Interview Strategy Report

Interview Success Formula
Professionally worded answers to tough interview questions - FREE Report

Top Interview Answers
Top Answers To over 70 Interview Questions

Once you have been invited to an interview you must get ready to create the image of someone they will surely want to hire above all other job applicants. Everybody has an opinion as to how you do that, but what do you actually do and what do you say? Self-introduction is your key to interview success because you are starting from a baseline position where they have no experience of who you are or what you are like.

Yes, they should have read your resume and cover letter you sent in, but that only gave them enough for them to want to see you in person. Now you are going to meet the hiring manager in person, you have a one-off make or break opportunity to get them to see you as the only person they want to employ.

As you know, interviewers will often rely heavily on their first impressions, to the extent that the interview becomes merely a confirmation of that first impression, either good or bad. So if self-introduction is your key to interview success, the first and most important aim is to create a positive first impression. Everybody has an opinion as to how you do that: look 'em in the eye, give 'em a firm handshake, speak up and don't mumble; know your stuff. All good ideas, but what do you actually do and what do you say?

Create A Favorable First Impression

The way to create a favorable first impression is to be sure you appear confident and open. When you meet your interviewer for the first time, make eye-contact at the introduction and repeat the interviewer's name as you shake hands and thank them for inviting you to the interview. As you get seated, smile to indicate you are ready to get down to business.

What often follows is the invitation to 'tell them about yourself' which allows you to commence your self-introduction that is so important to your interview success. This is the phase where you develop the rapport that will carry you through to the positive outcome at the end of the interview.

Because self-introduction is your key to interview success, you must have previously prepared exactly what you are going to say. This is not some lengthy story about your life, but a short focused statement that sounds interesting to the listener. You make it interesting by keeping it short (less than 3 minutes) and by showing that you are interested in both the job and the organization. This means you need to do some research about the business beforehand.

Strengths And Achievements

In your self-introduction you will include some examples of your strengths and achievements which relate directly to the requirements of the new job. This must also demonstrate your personal qualities that you apply when you are doing the job because the type of person you are is often far more important then just having the ability to do a job.

The way you outline your self-introduction, in particular the way you speak, tells the interviewer whether you are confident in your abilities so you must rehearse it well, but don't try to be what you are clearly not - you'll only be found out at a later date. Get a friend to listen to your self-introduction with a critical ear, because if it sounds false it will set the alarm bells ringing with the interviewer who will detect that it is not the real you and destroy the rapport you were building up. Practice speaking faster or more slowly, louder or quietly and try to vary it throughout.

When you have prepared your self-introduction, ask yourself this question: 'What does the interviewer need?'

The answer is that the interviewer needs to identify the best candidate to hire, whilst keeping the costs to a minimum and the fewer people interviewed the better. The need is also for the person who appears to be the best 'fit' in terms of both personality and technical ability. Also remember that they may need to justify their decision to hire you, to someone higher!

Prepared well, this self-introduction is your key to interview success because it helps to create that all-important first impression, helps you to build the rapport with the interviewer and satisfies the questions about whether you are the sort of person who will fit in to the organization successfully.

Visit www.Your-Career-Change.com where you can download your free Special Career Change Report and 63 page PDF e-book "Big Book of Job Hunting Tips".

When it comes to job interviews preparation is the key. One of the most important things to prepare for is tough job interview questions and the potential answers you might give.

Does that make you nervous about your next job interview? Did you already have difficulty in job interviews? If so click here to discover exactly how to win your next job interview as I grill the recruitment experts for the truth!

Use these examples of tricky job interview questions to prepare for your next job interview. Above all, make sure that you don't over-prepare and end up sounding like a scripted robot. The key is to get the answers prepared mentally in a brief outline.

"What kind of salary are you looking for?"

Although this is often one of the last questions you might be asked, you need to treat this one with utmost care. If you don't know what sort of salary is reasonable for the position, then you will have to ask the employer what their range is and then simply work from there. Do not start negotiating off the back of this question...wait until you are actually offered the position first, before you make any salary negotiations!

Remember, the salary you can command is directly related to your suitability and skills for the job.

"Are you a team player?"

If you've worked with colleagues in the past, then you are indeed a team player. The employer will gladly (and often expect) some real life examples. Use your job interview preparation to think of a few.

However, do not rule out the possibility of working alone. The idea is to come across as flexible and adaptive as possible. In other words, do not say that you only work well in a team, as this might hinder your chances if the job also requires solitary work.

"What is your greatest strength?"

This is your chance to shine, your greatest window to impress the employer above all else. However, don't get carried away and go overboard here, as you might come off as a little phony.

Try to be concise and list a handful of your strengths such as:

- Ability to work well under pressure - Ability to train other people - Problem solving skills - Positive attitude - Organizational skills - Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers

The way to make this answer really pack a punch is to provide examples. Remember not to ramble on too much, but simply give a brief example for each strength.

Of course, the more you are able to align and tie in your strengths with that particular job position the better, which is explained in much more detail in in this guide.

Did you know that the number of unemployed job seekers in the UK is rising, and in the US the unemployment rate has recently risen to over 6%?

This means that you now face even tougher competition for your dream job and more brutal hiring managers who cannot afford to hire anyone less than a perfect match for the job.

Does that make you nervous about your next job interview? Did you already have difficulty in job interviews? If so, you can still win your dream job over the ruthless competition, click here to discover the secrets for job interview success which have finally been revealed by leading recruitment industry experts...

If you've ever endured a tough interview and managed to get through relatively scar free, then there is nothing worse than when you don't hear back from the employer...especially when it's for a job position that you really did have your dreams pinned on.

Many people simply leave their fate as it stands, but is has been known that people who effectively follow up after not hearing back after the interview, stand a better chance of being considered...

So, here's some advice on what to do during the job interview follow up.

The follow up phone call

In this day and age, emails often get overused and more importantly, lost in transit through spam folders etc, (or even worse intentionally deleted by an over worked HR assistant).
The phone call puts you in direct contact with the employer and is easier to get an instant response.

The call should be made only when you have heard nothing back from your employer after a certain time period...but how long should you wait?

The answer is, as long as you've been told to. In other words, each employer has their own schedule and time frame for their entire interview process. Therefore it is important that you find out when you can expect a response, which can be asked at the end of the interview.

• If it's 2 weeks, leave it 25 days.
  
  
• If it's 4 weeks, leave it 31 days.
  
  
• If it's 2 months, leave it 70 days.

Give them a chance to get back to you, but don't hang on longer than you need to. Make that phone call only when you've been kept waiting longer than you expected. Here's what to say...

"Hello [Hiring Manager's name]

I'd like to touch base with you regarding my application for [job]. I understand that your application window has now come to a close and I would like to make sure that everything is ok with my details and overall application.

Is there anything you needed to ask me that you forgot in the interview?"

This will not only make you look keen, but also might help to bring up and eliminate any doubts or reservations that the employer might have of you that they didn't have time to ask during their busy application period.

It also makes you look less of a pest and more of a helping hand, even though it is obviously designed to work in your favour.

If you have to leave a message...

Use the same example as above, but make sure you leave a daytime contact number and make sure there are no wacky answer phone messages on your answer machine that might make you look unprofessional.

If you don't get a response with a further week, make a call and simply state that you are following up with last week's inquiry.

If you can, try and reach the receptionist and ask if the person you've been trying to reach is actually available to take call or if there is anybody else you would be better off speaking with in order to get a final response.

Don't be pushy or sound frustrated, as obviously this will put a big black cross on your application.

If you do find that you are getting the "run around", what you have to ask yourself is this:

Even if the company do end up offering you a position, does the way they have treated you (considering you're their number one choice) actually give you confidence in working for them?

How does this make you feel about their professionalism and the way they deal with people. If they can't communicate, and show blatant lack of respect for you as an applicant, then you may have to consider whether this would be any different if you were actually hired.

Sure, it's tempting to take any job offer after things get a little desperate and you've attended several job interviews, but you must always think of the long term before making a decision.

Don't spend all your time pinning your hopes on that one call back, but use your time more effectively to find other positions and go ahead and apply.

Why is it so important to win next job interview?

The number of unemployed job seekers in the UK is rising and also in the US, the national unemployment rate has recently risen to over 6%.

Job interviews are getting harder and because of the increase in unemployment, competition is more cut throat than ever.

If you'd like to avoid the stress of failing your next job interview, you'll need a proven job interview formula to get you to the top of the pile and land that dream job.

Click here to learn more...

You know the feeling don't you, you send off your cover letter then you just don't get called forward to interview for that high-paying job you really want. Perhaps your English is letting you down or maybe you simply don't have a way with words. Either way you need help if you are to have a chance of getting the job you so want.

I'm sorry to be so blunt about this, but if your cover letter just isn't up to the job - in fact, worse than that your cover letter is probably just downright useless and harming any last chance you had of getting the job you really deserve.

I should know: as a Headhunter and Career Coach for over 25 years, I've seen some great opportunities ruined by lame duck covering letters. If you can't do better than that why should you expect to snag the job of your dreams.

The Recruitment Consultant or Hiring Manager is going to be too busy to bother with some crappy cover letter that doesn't grab their attention or give them the information they need.

It's quite simple, because your cover letter is the first thing they look at it goes straight in to the trash if it isn't interesting and convincing .

You only have one chance to make a lasting first impression and if your cover letter lets you down - that's it!

Even if you have a poor command of the language, there is no excuse to be like most people starting their cover letter with exactly the same words? That is definitely not the way to stand out!

So if you need some examples of expertly written job application cover letters, there is a page where you can Buy Cover Letters; don't worry they won't cost you a lot!

In fact you can even buy your cover letters individually written, one at a time for just $1.95 each!

Interview Tips - do's and don'ts:

• Don't tell your whole life story - they really want to know what you can do.
  
  
• Keep to simple language and be easy to understand. No shortcuts or jargon.
  
  
• Try to make it sound interesting. Let the interviewer enjoy your accomplishments.
  
  
• Do credit the interviewer with having read your CV. (Even if he hasn't)
  
  
• Be specific; cite facts. Don't fall into the "I've got a lot to offer" trap. Say exactly what you've got to offer.
  
  
• Quantify your results - numerically, if possible.
  
  
• Gently dramatize the problem so your results can be important.
  
  
• Use I, not we. Claiming an accomplishment ain't bragging if you did it. And it's you they might hire!
  
  
• Use concrete examples.
  
  
• Tell what you did that is unique. Leave out the methodology unless they ask how you did it
  
  
• Do keep your answers relevant to the interviewer's questions.
  
  
• Always make a point which favours your cause.
  
  
• Help the listener conclude. Tell him/her what is relevant about your accomplishment; 'which means that...'
  
  Yes there's a lot to think about, but these interview tips will stay with you once you've read them through.

It may sound too simple but what they really want to know only falls into 4 key areas:

So you must prepare for this.

Why are you here?

Because you are interested in the job, the company, the challenge, the chance to learn and develop new skills, and you are ready to move for such a great opportunity.

What can you do for us?

You bring all of your experience, your skills and achievements, as well as your desire to develop and contribute to a new team or department. (This is easy if you've already done your homework on your achievements and skills). You should have a number of skill stories to illustrate these specific points ready prepared.

What sort of person are you?

Someone who has initiative and gets on well with others and is flexible in attitude to different ways of working; maybe you are a great team player, or a strong leader or you describe yourself as loyal and conscientious. Try to avoid the "open-door" or "hands-on" type of response. Remember that 'compatability' is much more important than 'competence'.

Put that to the test if you like - who would you rather work with? Someone who can do everything, or someone you can get on with?

Can we afford you?

Salary negotiation is another issue altogether, but the point is you should have a feeling for what the remuneration is likely to be and show them that you bring value-for-money.

That's a general background but if you're going to overcome your interview nerves and be better prepared than your interviewer, you must be more specific.

Put yourself on the other side of the desk - if you were doing the interviewing, what would you really want to know that would convince you to make a job offer?

So all you have to do now is work out your questions to explore those 4 areas. Make it at least 25 questions long and don't avoid that question you don't want to be asked (you know the one don't you?) and then carefully work out your own answers. Get help here: Top Interview Answers

Don't forget to include at least half a dozen personal attributes of the ideal candidate; why these are also your attributes and be prepared to explain why they should hire you as opposed to any of the other candidates.

The "Tell me about Yourself" type of question is used by many interviewers to allow you to settle in and feel comfortable. An interviewer who hasn't prepared beforehand will tend to ask this question to buy time while she thinks of the next question.

It's then only human nature to ask questions relating to what has already been said (by you).

Your answer to the "Tell me about Yourself" question can therefore set the whole agenda for the interview.

Prepare this well and you're streets ahead. It should include a brief walk through your career history from the first job or when you left university; touch on each move you made with positive reasons for the move [I wanted to get some activity based costing experience...] and key in only relevant facts that show how you meet their needs. Allow only 3 minutes for this with most time spent on your most recent experience.

Now even if you do get the well-prepared, competent interviewer you will have done your interview preparation and you will be the well-prepared competent interviewee!!

However, don't get too complacent some organisations use structured interviews which are actually a boon to incompetent interviewers as they ask the same pre-determined questions to each candidate. No worries! the best preparation for structured interviews is to work on your skill stories. They usually tell you in advance what skills or competences they are interested in.

What else should you do? Well there all sorts of interviews so you can never do too much interview preparation it's the most certain way of feeling confident when you meet the interviewer, whether she's competent or not.

I'll give you a start if you're struggling, click here for some of the most common questions you can start to work on. But don't just leave it there, build up a good list then get to work on your interview preparation.

Yes I know that we usually think of interviews as you doing all the talking, answering questions, but the reality is different. At least 40% of the time you should be listening, and what you hear will have an enormous effect on what you say.

So listening well is a most important interview skill: get the Smarter Interview Guide to Top Interview Answers

But why do so many of us find it difficult to listen well? After all, so long as our hearing is not actually impaired we can hear most of what is going on around us. However many of us will find listening difficult for a number of reasons:

* if there is anything we might consider unusual, or irritating about the speaker's appearance, voice, accent or pronunciation we allow it to put us off;

* we naturally think at about four or five times the speed at which we think, so when someone else is doing the talking we can find a lot of time to allow our minds to wander;

* our own thoughts are generally of more concern to us and we find it easier and more pleasant to tune in to these than concentrating on what someone else is saying;

* since we were quite young we have taught ourselves to listen to many things at once, and actually pay only the minimum attention to any of them, so it becomes difficult to pay attention to one thing for a longer period of time;

* as soon as we think we've heard enough to establish in our minds what response is needed, we stop listening to the speaker and start composing our answer.

Misunderstandings arise from failing to pay full attention in many situations, but in the interview it could cost you the job you really wanted.

Get the Smarter Interview Guide to Top Interview Answers