If you worked hard on your CV and job application, the interview process is a natural follow-on. In fact you've already done much of the hard work!

1. Be prepared

Go back to the skills portfolio you created for your CV and focus on the most important areas for the interview.

Recall past experiences and think of situations that demonstrated your skills. Talk these through with a friend who can give you feedback.

2. Use the STAR method

For competency-based interviews the employer may want in-depth detail e.g. about a situation where you demonstrated a particular skill in a powerful way.

The STAR method will help:

S – SITUATION. Put the situation in context for the interviewer

T – TELL. Provide more detail about exactly what you did

A – ACTION. Describe the steps you took to resolve the problem or move forward

R – RESULTS. Show the positive impact of the steps you took

Create some examples then ask a friend to 'role-play' the interviewer and get their feedback.

3. Understand what the employer needs

Call the company to check the format of the interview (e.g. one-to-one, panel, assessment centre etc) and whether you need to bring anything with you.

Check the job details and the CV and application you sent in response to. highlight the key areas the employer will be interested in

Prepare answers to likely questions and decide what you in turn want to ask. eg How will the role develop or what kind of training and development can you expect? Where does this job fit in the overall structure?

Remember that you need to be sure you want to work there and that the people and environment are right for you.

4. The three big questions

Basically employers are asking themselves three big questions:

• Can you do the job?
• Are you motivated and enthusiastic?
• Will you fit in?

Think hard about these questions – the interviewer will!

5. Plan to be confident

Be well prepared and boost your confidence by planning in advance.

• Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Decide on your suit or similar smart outfit in advance
• Spend time looking at the job advert through the employer's eyes
• Practise talking through your skills and dealing with questions
• Remind yourself that it's your CV and job application that have been selected
• Visualise yourself acting confidently and making a great impression
• Relax the night before – switch off your mind and get a good night's sleep

On the day it's natural to feel a bit nervous – but this often helps you to perform well. Be friendly and build a rapport with the interviewer from the start. This will relax you both. Keep focused on what your research shows they are looking for. How you make the right impact will depend on the actual format of the interview.

6. Telephone interviews

Keep your CV/Application details handy and avoid background noises or distractions.

Speak clearly and sound bright and positive. Answer concisely – don't ramble!

7. Assessment centre techniques

If you're attending an assessment centre, the secret is to be yourself – don't pretend to be what you are not. This can only backfire and the assessors will notice!

In group exercises the assessor may be looking for evidence of:

Communication skills – so speak clearly and assertively. Avoid talking over people.

Listening skills – make sure you take other people's opinions on board.

Teamwork – encourage quieter members and focus on working together.

Persuasiveness – don't be pushy. Be subtle and use logical, objective reasoning.

Decision making – consider all the options before deciding. Look for consensus.

If you have to do role-play exercises, act naturally, focus on the outcome you want to achieve, and listen carefully to the instructions and the person playing the part. Make sure that you express yourself clearly and are understood.

If you're making a presentation, stick to the brief and get your message across clearly. Avoid too many facts and statistics – they can be overwhelming. Plan out a simple structure to guide you and ensure you practice first – if only in front of the mirror.

8. Aptitude tests

Your confidence level will influence how well you do in aptitude tests so practice beforehand.

Work quickly, move on if stuck, and give yourself time – the questions may get a lot harder.

9. Facing a panel

If facing a panel interview, address the questioner but seek eye contact with the others. Understand exactly what they're asking and why. This will guide you to the right answer you prepared.

When answering questions, maintain eye contact and listen carefully Speak slowly and clearly – give yourself time to think. Ask them to repeat the question if necessary. Avoid rambling and sound animated, and enthusiastic- don't act like a robot!

When answering questions, maintain eye contact and listen carefully Speak slowly and clearly – give yourself time to think. Ask them to repeat the question if necessary.

Avoid rambling and sound animated, and enthusiastic – don't act like a robot! If you need to admit to a weakness, say how you learned from it. Don't dwell on a question that you feel you didn't answer too well and stay positive.

At the end take the opportunity offered to ask about the organisation or role in the way you prepared. Even if you're relieved it's over, avoid feeling too relaxed. Maintain the rapport you have built up but stay professional and aim to create a final positive impact.

10. Feedback and follow-up

If you get the job – congratulations! Your hard work and commitment has paid off..

If not, polish up your technique and move on to the next application. Rejection is a natural part of the process of finding the right job. Remember that practice and determination are the keys to succeeding next time.

To highlight the areas you need to work on, call the company and get feedback. Listen carefully – don't just hear what you want to hear – and make a note of what they tell you. Use this feedback to improve by:

• Listing the areas you want to work on, and how you plan to improve.
• Setting a realistic plan of action with a timescale
• Keeping a record of your feedback so that you can see yourself improve