Discover how Talent Logic can work with you to achieve your career aspirations.

Be prepared!

* Study the job description carefully, and make notes on all the relevant experience you have that you could bring to the role. Think of the job description as an outline of a problem that the company has. During the interview you want to show them how you can solve this problem for them, and be able to back up your points with examples from your experience to date. This will also give you time to fully understand the role on offer and to be sure that you are interested in the opportunity.

* Ensure that you are familiar with the company and its business. Talent Logic will tell you about the firm, however you should familiarise yourself with their website and understand their technology and history.

* Think about what you want to achieve from the interview. Remember, the interview is your chance to find out first hand information about the company and the role on offer.

* Know your CV. Be ready to speak confidently about your past roles, and highlight the experience that is relevant for the position which you are interviewing for. Identify your strengths and how you would put them to good use in the role, and also be aware of your weaknesses, and how you can realistically overcome them.

First impressions count

* Plan your journey to the interview, allowing for public transport cancellations or unforeseen traffic. It is a good idea to arrive 5 – 10 minutes early to give yourself time to relax prior to your interview, however don't announce your presence until just before the allotted interview time, as being too early can be just as annoying as being late!

* Never underestimate the importance of presentation. Have a smart and professional outfit ready for interviews - this will also help you feel relaxed and confident when you meet prospective employers for the first time. Greet the interviewers with a big smile and a firm handshake, and make light conversation during the walk from the reception area to the interview room – this is a potential colleague that you are meeting for the first time, and it helps to break the ice. Note whether their attitude is formal or relaxed and adopt the same.

* Print out three copies of your CV ande take them with you to the interview - one is for you to refer to, the other two will save time should an interviewer not have a copy.

Getting your point across

* LISTEN carefully to the interviewers questions and NEVER interrupt, even if you think you know where they are going.

* Talk slowly and clearly and keep your answers clear and concise. Avoid talking for too long or straying off the point.

* Feel free to ask questions as you go along, if you have them. Ideally an interview should be a conversation where information is being exchanged in both directions, and a clear understanding is reached for both parties. You are also more likely to get hired if you can communicate well with the interviewer, as this will be crucial if you are to successfully work together.

Find out what YOU need to know

* Always prepare questions to ask. Having no questions prepared sends the message that you are not serious about the opportunity, or cannot think for yourself! The interview is your best opportunity to find out first hand what you need to know about the role and the company.

* Try not to ask questions that are clearly answered on the company web site or on the job spec - if you have prepared properly, this should not happen!

* Never ask about salary and benefits issues until those subjects are raised by the employer - it can give the wrong impression.

* If all of your questions are answered during the course of the interview, you can say something along the lines of 'I was interested to know about X, but we have already covered that'. Ask for additional clarification if necessary.

* At the end of the interview both you and the interviewer should have found out as much as possible about the suitability of the match.

The big finish!

* At the end of the interview ask if there is anything further that they would like to know about you - does your interviewer have any grey areas following the interview that they would like you to clear up before leaving? This gives you and the interviewer a final chance to ensure that a clear and genuine understanding has been reached, and will also allow you to gauge, to an extent, how the interview has gone.

* If you are interested in the role, let the interviewer know! As an employer it is great to know that a potential employee is enthusiastic about the opportunity and will bring energy to the position.

* Regardless of your interest, thank the interviewer for their time, smile and offer a warm handshake before you leave.