You may have heard people tell you time and time again there hidden secrets and guidelines for interviews; that if you follow XYZ you are bound to lead to success. Unfortunately in the real world it does not work that way. For the most part you need to adapt yourself to what the person is looking for and what you can bring to the table. Depending upon who is giving the interview will determine what kind of personality traits you will reveal and what kind of attributes you demonstrate.

First rule of an interview is: (Confidence is Key)   

You don't need to know everything you just have to be confident in yourself.

Here is a list of tips for prep:

1. Job Spec
Draw a line down the centre of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a bulleted list of what the employer is looking for based on the job specification. On the right hand side, make a bulleted list of the qualities you possess that fit those requirements.

2. Essential Guide (the basics)

Do Your Research - background details of the company and the job is essential (know what is that you are applying for)
Body Language / Look Sharp
Be on Time
Be Prepared
Show Enthusiasm and be positive
Listen and answer the Question Asked
Give Specific Examples
Ask Questions
Close


3. Standard questions:

1) Tell me about yourself
2) What is your current situation? (i.e. Why Did You Leave (Are You Leaving) Your Job?)
3) Why Do You Want to Work Here? (The best answers to this question are backed up by facts)
4) Why Should We Hire You? (Strengths)
5) What Are Your Weaknesses?
6) What Are Your Goals?


4. Competency Question Areas

Adaptability
Client Focus
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Problem Solving and Judgment
Results Orientation
Teamwork
Developing Others
Impact and Influence
Innovation
Relationship Building
Self-Management
Strategic Thinking

5. General advice

The employer is looking to double check that you are the right candidate for the job, more importantly if you are the person that can get the job done.

They will also want to double check that you show a sense of consistency, so what you told in your CV and application should match what they ask. If they ask you questions that they had all ready gone over before, be prepared to go over all your details again.

In the interview they are going to want to test you technical knowledge or abilities, whether you are talking BS or whether you can convince the person that you know what you are talking about.

Try to mention specifics that you have done, try to say “I “instead of “we or my colleagues”.

Also show that you are goal orientated, what are your plans are for the first 12 months and what do you what to learn and achieve, and more importantly what you can bring to the table.

To succeed or lose this interview can be down to the smallest of details.

6. Interview Plan

1. Connect with the interviewer: they will be your future boss so find something that you can talk about (small talk / common interests) this will go a long way to making you more relaxed in the interview.
2. Prepare a summary of yourself that sells your main qualities and why you are interested in this job and why you are leaving your past job.
3. Follow up on any questions asked: try to avoid awkward silences - if you are asked a question be specific and show that you know what you are talking about.
4. Try not to assume anything.
5. Ask plenty of questions: try to get the interview away from a Q&A session: you are going to be working with these people so try to make it more of a business meeting. Pretend that you already have the job and that you are contributing to the company already
6. Lastly go in with nothing to lose: what is the worst that can happen!!!! - If it doesn't work this time you will learn for the next time and will be more prepared.


Follow up: after the interview send a short email to your interviewer thanking them for their time.

Aside from that (good luck) - If you have the time do a mock interview with your friends or family so you will have some practice articulating yourself.