Having made it past all the obstacles in the selection process, you have managed to secure an interview for that dream job. Your qualifications, experience and proven track record have got you this far, so how you come across in interview is of vital importance. Some people "interview better" than others, but it essentially comes down to two factors: preparation and confidence.

Preparation:
Interviewers are continually amazed by the number of candidates who have not prepared and possess little or no knowledge about the company they are being interviewed with. Time spent prior to the interview researching the organisation will pay off on the day. 
You should know the following about the organisation before you attend the interview: 

• Who is the company owned by - Private or public? 
• Is it part of a larger group - are there subsidiaries you should be aware of?
• Who are their main competitors?
• How are they viewed in the market place?
• Read recent press cuttings.
• Look at their website.
• Obtain a copy of their company brochure.
• What services or products it has to offer.

Look at current growth to date and what the potential for the future is.
Ensure that you know the exact location, the time of your interview, who you are seeing, what their position is within the company and how you pronounce their name. First impressions are very important.

You will be expected to know in detail about your current/former employer. Bring yourself up to date with the facts and the figures.

Essential Do's and Don'ts:

• DO smile and maintain good eye contact throughout.
• DO dress conservatively.
• DO come prepared with a list of questions to ask.
• DON'T answer questions with just a "yes" or "no" - always back up answers with examples
• DON'T be the first one to bring up the subject of salary.
• DON'T condemn your current/previous employer.

Body Language:
Do not underestimate the power of body language. The way in which you present yourself will tell an employer much more about you than your CV ever could. You should be aware of any bad habits you are prone to. 

• Your handshake should be firm, but not too forceful!
  
• Do not slouch; always maintain good posture.
• Be a good listener as well as an orator. Acknowledge the interviewer's comments with nods, and if there is more than one present, switch your glance between them at regular intervals.
• Try not to gesticulate, as it suggests nervousness.

Before leaving, establish what the next step will be. If you are with a recruitment consultancy, they will normally act as the middle man, but if you have arranged the interview yourself, make sure you know when you can expect to hear from them, and what will happen next.