Winning interview tips

We thought that you might appreciate some advice on passing job interviews. They're a necessary jobseeking evil and though there are some that enjoy the challenge most of us find them nerve racking. We've put together some tips that should ensure that you breeze rather than blunder through your next interview.

Winning tips from the totaljobs.com jobseeker team.

Be prepared
Make sure you research or mystery shop the company beforehand. For example if your prospective employer is a retailer, try being a customer. It's advisable to visit their website and look up the 'About us' section on their site. You'll learn a lot about the company values from there. You should also check the 'Press Release' or 'News' sections of their site so you can find out what widgets or latest service initiatives they have. This area of their site will also give you an insight into how transparent the organisation is about what they're doing. They may feature employees of the month here or recent promotions too. In an interview situation all of the above will show the interviewer that you are thinking about 'how' you would do the job, which is what they want to hear.

Be punctual
Don't fall at the first hurdle by turning up late. This is the big interview no-no, and could help you to decide your fate before you've even spoken a word. 'Getting lost' does not sit comfortably with interviewers.

Smarten up!
Make sure you dress smart, plain and simple. There are exceptions depending on the industry a full suit and tie combo might be too formal for an interview at a hip new media agency or for the next Cbeebies Presenter job. Also, go easy on the aftershave or perfume you don't want the interviewer to pass out half way through!

Don't David Brent them
Remember, this is a job interview. You're there to convince the interviewer you're the right person for the job. So don't crack jokes or tell funny anecdotes (they'll almost all be offensive to some one). Remember you want to appear professional.

After the interview
If you're unsuccessful, use it as an opportunity to improve. Seek feedback from the interviewer, you're entitled to it, if you were skills or competency tested ask for the results. This shows initiative and keenness on your part, as well as boosting your future interview success chances, the interviewer may consider you for future vacancies at the company.

See here for further job seeking advice.