You should treat each interview as if it is your first and prepare thoroughly beforehand. Interview nerves are caused by fear of the unknown, so find out as much as possible about the company, its culture and the job you’re applying for ahead of the interview. Plan your journey so you arrive about ten minutes early. Don’t arrive hot, flustered and late. Check the weather forecast so you don’t arrive dripping wet! On the day of the interview, don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke and try to avoid any foods that are likely to stay on your breath. As public speakers know, avoid coffee and tea, as diuretics they tend to make your throat dry. It’s also a good idea to take a comb or hairbrush and perhaps some make-up so you can tidy yourself up whilst waiting for your appointment time. Prepare a list of questions you wish to ask the person who will interview you but remember that your focus should be on the company, its products and services. If you appear to focus more on the employee benefits, such as what kind of company mobile phone you might be given, you will be giving the wrong impression.

Hair should be clean and tidy. Men with long hair should tie it back in a neat ponytail. Facial make-up should be professional and fresh. Men should be well-shaved and free of stubble. If you have a beard, make sure it’s trimmed and tidy. Remove any visible piercings and be careful with your choice of earrings, don’t go for the flamboyant look!

Give your shoes a good polish. For the ladies, we suggest court shoes if you are wearing a skirt and boots or smart shoes if you have chosen a trouser suit.

And don’t forget your nails. Make sure they are short and well-manicured. If you are wearing nail varnish, choose a conservative colour and ensure it is freshly applied and not chipped.

Your interview isn’t a grilling. It’s a two-way conversation to help you and your prospective employer find out more about each other. Be positive and try to give an honest impression of yourself and what you are really like.

Once in the room, don’t sit down until you are invited to do so. Try to look relaxed but don’t slouch. Don’t fidget. Keep a good level of eye contact and always look interested in what the interviewer is saying.

Make the most of your pre-interview preparation. Think before you speak, don’t waffle and, if you don’t understand the question, ask your interviewer to clarify.

Be assertive, but not aggressive or arrogant. Don’t ‘knock’ previous employers, it’s far better to be positive about your own future and how you can help the company to succeed. Don’t knock the company’s competitors and under no circumstances indulge in gossip about current colleagues; if you have nothing good to say, say nothing.