Your resume has landed you a job interview. Now you must make the most of a ‘face-to-face’ meeting to land the role. We have some practical pointers on getting ready for the interview.

Being as prepared as possible is the key to success in the interview game.

Research

An annual report can be a great source of information. You may be able to pick one up from the reception desk of the company you are interviewing with. State Libraries keep the annual reports of government organisations as well as a number of publicly listed companies. If you are going through a recruitment firm your consultant should be only too happy (and impressed) to help you do your homework. Alternatively, check the company’s website, which should provide information about the company which may assist in your interview

Rehearse

Rehearsing with a friend or family member is a great way to soothe pre-interview nerves. This will build confidence and communication skills and help you get your thoughts straight. Your rehearsal partner can tell you if you're speaking too quickly, if your sentences are too long or your answers difficult to follow. Rehearse again and again until you feel comfortable that your answers are flowing. Remember, don't get mad at your rehearsal partner when they raise improvement points. They're on your side, remember?

The "behavioural interviewing" technique

Behavioural interviewing involves the interviewee being required to provide actual examples from their work or life experiences. Questions are structured along the lines of as "Tell me about a time when.." or "Give me an example of ..”. The technique is built on the theory that best predictor of future performance is past performance. Be prepared to respond to this questioning during the interview.

Pre-interview check

Before the interview find out the name and title of each person you will be meeting with. Memorise the names. Your recruitment consultant should provide these. If you are dealing directly with the company it's perfectly acceptable to ask its HR department to provide these details.

Appearance

Take extra care with your appearance. Exert a certain amount of judgment and common sense in your choice of clothing to wear for an interview. Remember you are trying to make a good impression and sell yourself. Don’t let your appearance undermine your chances of achieving a successful interview.

Feeling good

On the morning of the interview go for a walk or spend some time doing stretches. Take some deep breaths. This will help you relax, have better posture and therefore look the part of the successful candidate. On the way to the interview walk tall and smile. Arrive at your interview feeling good. Remember, some butterflies in the stomach are okay. Fear and excitement both cause butterflies. So tell yourself those flutters are simply due to excitement.

During the interview

Never say anything negative about a past employer.

Never interrupt anyone.

Keep your answers relatively short and to the point. If the interviewer wants more information he or she will ask for it. By the same token, try to avoid simply answering "yes" or "no" to questions.

Maintain good eye contact.

If there is more than one person at the interview talk to both or all of them, regardless of how junior or peripheral you perceive them to be in the context of the interview.

Prepare something for when you are invited to ask questions. Two to three questions should be enough. Examples of some suitable material for questioning could include; who you will be reporting to; details of the team you would be joining; what career path options are possible; and what projects you could be working on.

Questions regarding salary and benefits are best left until you have ultimate bargaining power – at the very least at the second interview stage. The point of ultimate bargaining power is the time between being offered the job and accepting it.

Think carefully before accepting a drink. You might find yourself in a chair without arms or out of reach of a table, balancing coffee, tea or glass of water throughout the interview.

Smile - when appropriate, of course.