1.Know your past achievements. An achievement is something that excited you, gave you a feeling of pride, something that you enjoyed doing. Each achievement is made up of factors that have made you successful: creativity, for example, or management, directing, leading, or selling.

2. Do your research. Gather and analyse information about the company and the companies’ competition. Your painstaking research should include: what the company produces, who the company’s customers are, what their culture is like, and if they have a company mission and, if so, what it is. Also find out if they are growing and why, what their plans are for the future, and who their primary competition is. Your knowledge about them will not only contribute to your self-confidence, but also show that you have sincere interest in them.

3. Answer all questions directly. Don’t get long-winded or go off on unrelated tangents. The best insurance for a direct response is to listen: do your company research; and know your skills, achievements, values, and personal qualities. Listening and preparation are the keys to a winning presentation at an interview.

4. Be prepared to answer personal questions. Your personality and core values are strongly considered in a competitive market. Every person counts. You will not only contribute to the profitability of the company but also to its culture. You may be asked, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “Describe your best or worst boss” “What are your three top values?”

5. Balance listening with telling your story. Do not interrupt and sit back (don’t slouch) when the interviewer is talking. Be brief when it’s your turn to tell your story or answer a question. Pause and check in by asking, “Would you like me to continue?” or “Am I answering your question?” or “Is there any aspect of my background that is of most interest?”

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