It's the night before a job interview. You've made it through the CV sift and things are looking good. Congratulations!

So what should you be doing to prepare for your interview?

How can you prepare effectively?

Let's start with the facts. You've applied for this fantastic job. You sent in your CV (or resume depending on where you live) and filled out the application form. The company has got back to you and offered you an interview. Things are looking good.

A few days have passed and all of a sudden it's the night before the interview. Here are some tips worth going over to make sure you prepare to put your best side across.

›Find out about the company

Recruitment consultants and HR professionals say this all the time but you'd be surprised how many people still think they can get away with it. You can't! You have to know something about the company you're applying for. When I interview people it's the one of the first questions I ask, and it's usually one of the best ways to make a good impression.

• Take a look at the companies website (if they have one) - this is a great source of information about the company and its recent projects.
• Be specific and find out details. Make sure you know what the company do, some of their clients and specific projects. Interviewers are not impressed if they ask you about their company and you only only know the bare essentials. They want to see that you've cared enough to find out some more detail. For example, if you go to an interview with a car company find out about their latest concept car. For a market research company, find out about one of their clients or their latest research project.
• Find out where they stand in the market, their geographic locations and areas they focus on. This will help you formulate some questions and will show the interviewers that you are on top of your game.

It sounds like a lot of work but it's really not. A few specific facts about the company, some knowledge about their market and a 10 minute look around the website can make you look very professional and will portray an interested and enthusiastic candidate.

›Think about potential questions and answers

Thinking about some of the potential questions you could be asked will help you be mentally prepared. There's always going to be some questions you can't predict - and that's ok. But thinking it over the night before will put you in the right frame of mind. Some examples of classic tried and tested interview questions are:

• Why do you want to work for us? Why did you decide to apply for this job?
• How do you manage multiple jobs/tasks?
• Tell us about a difficult customer and how you dealt with the situation?
• What is your biggest weaknesses? (we all have them but think of a positive weakness)
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years?
• Tell us about a situation where you had to work in a team? What was your role?
• What skills or attributes can you bring to this job? This company?
• How would your friends/relatives/teachers describe you?
• What qualities should a successful *inset job* possess? What about a successful manager?
• How do you work under pressure?

Not having an answer to these is one of the quickest ways to lose the job. Use what you know about the company to think about the kind of answers they'd expect or would make a good impression. Remember: this is a job interview not a psychological test. The interviewer is looking for the skills and qualities for the job so try to think about that and you'll stand a good chance.

›Know where your going and what you're going to wear

If this is your first interview then I'm guessing you haven't been to the office or interview location before. So make sure you know where you are going.

People often ask me why this important to think about. My answer is simple: 'it's all about being prepared'. I can almost guarantee that if you placed two identical candidates together in an interview, the candidate that dared to prepare will get the job every time.

Knowing where you are going, having your clothes ironed and ready, and having everything you need to take (e.g. proof of entitlement to work, I.D.) in the one place will make you more prepared. It will help with nerves and generally make for an easier interview. Simple but effective!

›Quick Update

... you know about the company, you've thought about potential questions and you're prepared with all the maps and general extra bits they've asked you to bring along. What's next? Don't worry you're almost there.

›Congratulate yourself

This is one of the best and simplest pieces of advice I can give you. People often forget that it's no easy task just to get an interview so give yourself a little pat on the back. You've done well. A lot of people haven't made it to the interview stage so a congratulations is in order. No matter what happens in the interview - you've achieved something just by getting interview. After all, you've clearly shown some spark and interested the selectors.

›Lastly, try and get a good nights sleep

Everyone gets nervous before an interview. It's one of those human things we just can't seem to shake. I've interviewed hundreds of people, and gone to a tonne of interviews and I still get nervous no matter what side of the table I'm on. Unfortunately, that's not helpful when it comes to sleeping but there's a few easy things you can try. Get to bed early; earlier than usual because you may be restless during the night. Drink some warm milk or whatever relaxes you and gets you ready for bed. It sounds a bit like you're in primary school but if that's what it takes to give you the best chance then it's worth it.

Goodluck!

You have something to offer and tomorrow may just be the start of a brand new career.

For more helpful career tips and interview advice, stay tuned as I publish regular articles to help you get that dream job.