Winners at interviews

Confidence is the key to getting the job you want, but it's not easy to be confident when the prospect of an interview is reducing you to a nervous wreck.

Dr Judy Jaye, project development manager at The Stress Clinic offers tips for combating pre-interview nerves, including positive self-talk, thorough preparation and relaxation techniques.

Good first impressions are vital, she says. Interviewers are looking for people with confidence, enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Use positive self-talk before the interview, and repeatedly tell yourself, "I'm a winner", "I'm good at what I do".

Focus on your positive capabilities and why you will be an asset to the company, not on your doubts and your anxiety about the upcoming interview. A major source of stress is deciding what to wear to the interview. Make sure clothes are laid out the night before when you have more time to try on different outfits.

Make sure everything is clean and well ironed. Jaye says it is best to dress conservatively for normal company interviews, in colours such as blues, beiges, and blacks instead of lime green, shocking pink and bright orange. The same goes for shoes and accessories - they should be tasteful and not draw attention to themselves.

"If you have an appropriate lucky outfit - one that will give you a psychological advantage - wear it," says Jaye. Thorough preparation is vital, starting with a comprehensive CV on pristine paper, which contains only relevant information - it's not necessary to include a detailed description of your sports activities or charity work if they aren't directly related to the job.

Your CV must be clear and concise and must highlight the things you've done that are pertinent to the position you are applying for. Focus your CV around how your skills will best suit the company, and always include a list of your references and their phone numbers.

Get professional help if needed, and always keep several copies - it's unprofessional to ask the interviewer to return your CV if you are not appointed. Doing the right thing also builds confidence, while committing an etiquette blunder can send your confidence levels spiralling downwards. When you enter the interview room, wait for the interviewer to ask you to be seated.

Don't interrupt the interviewer, and don't try to side-track him or her - there'll be time for your questions later. Avoid sensitive questions at the first meeting such as salary issues and why the last person left the position. Don't click a pen or fiddle with your fingers nervously, as this could be irritating. Have everything you will need on hand.

"A golden rule of interviewing is never run down your previous job, company or boss. Interviewers will not see this in a positive light.

"Interviewers want to hire winners, not losers, so avoid the mistake of bad-mouthing and avoid the trap of using the interview as a personal therapy session to tell the interviewer how desperately you need the money," says Jaye.

Being as relaxed as possible also helps. Arrive 10 minutes early so you have time to adjust to your surroundings. Deep breathing may be a cliché but it really does work to slow down your racing heart and give you a feeling of poise and self-control. Believe in yourself and if it is the right job for you - you will be appointed.