BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:

	Get the correct spelling and pronunciation of the person/s you will meet.
	Get directions for how to get to the interview – and make sure you have the correct address, don’t just go by what is in the phone book (they might have moved).
	Pick out your interview clothes ahead of time.
	Plan to show up 10 to 15 minutes early – it’s quite interesting how much you can discover by just talking to the receptionist and observing how employees interact with each other. Also it gives you a chance to visit the toilet (this can tell you a lot about how the organization treats people) as well as to recover from any travel difficulties you may have encountered.

AT THE INTERVIEW:

Listen, listen, listen: As humans, you were created with two ears and one mouth for a reason. You should listen twice as much as you talk. Quite often, people hear but do not listen. Do not do this during the interview. Pay attention and keep good eye contact. If you are well prepared, your mind will not need to wander while the other person is talking. By listening carefully, you will be able to respond more intelligently to statements and questions.

Also, never interrupt interviewers! Often, you will be so excited that you will want to respond before interviewers finish with what they have to say. If you do this, interviewers will get upset and eventually start to tune you out when you talk. Also, after being asked a question, deliberately pause for 10 seconds. This is a compliment to the interviewer's question and also marks you out as a thoughtful, rather than a reactive, person.

Listening to our own answers is another skill. If people really listened to what was coming out of their mouths, they may reframe their answers. Are we clear? Are we answering the questions asked? Is our speech and diction appropriate and clear?

Be prepared: Know something about the company, know as much as possible about the position. Request a position description beforehand, and have it with you.

Don't be surprised by the interview format: When requested to come along for an interview, ask politely what the interview format will be. It's possible to be put off if you are expecting a one-on-one, and you walk in to a panel, and vice versa.

Take a "Show Bag: Have a copy of your resume, at least, bound in a professional format – assume a 50/50 chance that they have mislaid the original you (or the agency) sent them. Dark colored backing, clear plastic cover, spiral or thermal bound, one for each interviewer. It's unlikely another candidate will have done this. Other things to put in your showbag may include what you could bring to the position.