Think of the ‘question/answer game’ as being like this - every time the employer asks you a question and you give a good response, you get a plus point. Every time he gets a negative response, you get a minus point. The more plus points you get, the closer you are to getting the job.

Try to turn your negative points into positive ones. For example, if the employer says “Well you have never developed using these languages before” your response should be “No, I haven't but there is no reason why I can't. I couldn't use the tools I am using now until I joined my present company. I learned about it and I am now selling it very successfully.”

What you have done in that instance is change the negative point of not being able to use particular languages into a positive i.e. no reason why you can't learn to use new equipment.

Listen to the questions carefully.

If possible try and work out why the employer is asking you the question. For example, “You've not been there very long and you weren't very long in your last job”. Is he actually trying to find out whether you are the sort of person who keeps changing jobs very rapidly before having had a chance to prove yourself. Perhaps a confirmation that, if you were offered the job, you would not leave in an equally short time, is needed.

A possible response is “No, I wasn't there very long but I did have good reasons for leaving. However, I don't like changing jobs frequently and that is why it is very important that the next decision I make is the right one. I want to stay with the next company I join and progress through their organisation without having to leave and join another company to gain a promotion”.

Make sure you have refreshed your technical ability and experience, again do your homework!

Answer the questions specifically and without waffling.

Once you have answered the initial question, if more information is needed, there will be a question like “What exactly do you do in your current company?” You do not need to start “Well, I was born at a very early age....” and half an hour later you have told your whole life story, but not answered the question. Too much detail is boring!

Be honest - if you can't do something, there is no point in saying that you can.

Never answer with ‘I don't know’. If in doubt, ask to think about it and ask if you can get back to them via your Consultant later.

Although you are bound to read in most advertisements that 'experience would be desirable', enthusiasm also counts for a lot in an interview.

If you are enthusiastic, willing to learn and, above all, willing to work hard, those messages must come across in your interview. This should satisfy the employer that you are the type of person wanted within the company and the team.

If you don't understand the question then check it

Remember, not all employers are trained to interview. It is as much your responsibility to make sure that they have has enough correct information about you, as it is their responsibility to extract from you that information.

Never be negative about your current job - sell the positive points about the new one - exciting company - industry - product. Career progression - development - opportunities. Different and exciting style.

Try to show some positive factors about your personality. Smile, be friendly and professional.

Stress that the next position is important to you because you intend staying a long time.

Never give the impression you are having many interviews, only a select few.

Say when you are next available for interview, or can start employment. Ask if you can see where you would be working and meet other members of staff where possible.

If on a long notice period, say you will see if you can negotiate to reduce it.