This is your chance to shine and a little preparation can make all the difference.

Find out as much as you can about the company and the job you have applied for. Use the web, graduate recruitment brochures, library, and business sections of newspapers, your tutor and careers advisor.

Think about what you can offer the company and why they should employ you rather than another candidate. If you get the job you will cost thousands of pounds to employ - why are you worth it? Look back through your covering letter and CV for this application and be prepared to talk about them in detail.

The interview gives you the opportunity to decide whether the job is right for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the role and your specific duties, but try not to concentrate your questions on staff benefits.

Although mock interviews with friends, careers advisors and tutors can't replicate a real situation exactly, they can be useful to try out verbalising your experiences and gain feedback on personal presentation.

Even if you are unsuccessful at interview try to get the most out of it as a learning experience. Phone politely for feedback and take the points on board; perhaps there will be something you can do differently next time.

Avoid getting lost for words at your interview by making notes on some frequently asked questions in this Editable Word Doc.

Top Tips for your Interview

DO

• Prepare for the interview by thoroughly researching the company and the role
• Give yourself plenty of time to find the interview - if possible go and check your route the day before
• Take the company phone number and call if you are running late
• Try and find out how long the interview is likely to be and allow enough time
• Take a copy of your CV along
• Dress smartly and professionally
• Smile
• Look at the interviewer
• Use his/her name, but not excessively
• Sit up straight and keep your hands in your lap
• Take time to think before answering
• Ask for clarification if you need it
• Tell the truth
• Offer to leave the room if the interviewer receives a call
• Make sure you get all your important points across
• Go prepared with some questions to show your interest.
• Shake hands firmly at the end, and ask when you can expect to hear from them

DON'T

• Arrive more than 15 minutes early
• Sit down before the interviewer does
• Smoke
• Chew gum
• Swear, even mildly
• Interrupt
• Argue - if your views differ from the interviewers, move on to an easier subject
• Be over-familiar
• Criticise past employers/ university
• Constantly repeat questions
• Ask about salary, let them open the bidding
• Draw attention to your weaknesses, try and turn them into positives
• Fiddle or jiggle or tap or flap
• Leave your mobile switched on