This month, we offer some tips on doing better at interviews.

(1) PREPARE... PREPARE... PREPARE. Make sure before you go into any interview you have prepared the following.

i) YOURSELF AND YOUR PRESENTATION: Look impeccable, appropriate and as well as you possibly can. Spare no expense to make sure you look like someone they want to hire.

ii) KNOWLEDGE ABOUT YOU: Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and how they relate to this job.

iii) KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEM: Know as much as you can about the kind of job you are going for and the kind of company that are hiring you. Ask specific question when it's time to indicate that you have done your research.

(2) REHEARSE.. REHEARSE... REHEARSE. It's good to rehearse different answers to what you might be asked.

i) If you are asked for your weak points then make them seem like weak points but actually mention one of your strengths. (E.G. Well sometimes I have sometimes gotten too involved in the job but I have learned recently to take a step back when I need to). Try and nest every bad point inside of two good points.

ii) Be specific and give specific examples. Many interviewers are used to hearing the typical bs so when you give clear, specific examples from your experience it will set you apart.

iii) Remember to answer the questions asked. Often people will drift off on some prepared script. This can annoy the interviewers. Make your answer fit the question neatly.

iv) Always have a question to ask them back and focus on the opportunities and what the best parts of the job are rather than the pension scheme and money. You can ask those questions at a later stage.

(3) PRESENTATION. There are a few keys to presenting at interviews brilliantly. It's important to make sure you look the part as discussed in the preparation part of this.

i) Use a firm but not too firm handshake. Look them in the eyes when you say hello, when they are speaking to you and most of the time when you are speaking. If there are a few interviewers make sure you keep a consistent amount of eye contact with each of them.

ii) Get yourself into a confident and relaxed state using some of the skills you know from NLP. You might find some in the articles or tips section of this website. The Brilliance Square exercise is perfect for this. The trick is to build states of confidence and relaxation that you can anchor and trigger when you walk into the interview.

iii) While avoiding arrogance or cockiness, act as though you expect the job. In answering the questions do so in a way that presupposes that you are the right person for the job. Take a little time before answering and think out each question. Speak at an even pace and remember to focus on why you know you would be great at the job.

iv) Be aware of your body language and act in as confident way as possible.

Lastly, remember the interview is not the be all and end all of your life. My crutial saying fits in perfectly here: "IF YOU WANT TO GET WHAT YOU WANT, YOU NEED TO LET GO OF NEEDING IT." When you let go of needing the interview and it doesn't matter as much you can go into it with less desperation and more expectation and that will help you maximize you chances of succeeding.