Do your homework. Plenty of preparation! Research the industry , the company, the role and the professional who will be interviewing you,(the internet is a great source of information). Look at the areas the company focuses on. Try and speak to people already working there, get a feel for it's culture, try to see yourself as part of it.
Having done your homework let the interviewer know you have done it!. Prepare some questions of your own based around the information you have picked up, interviewers don't like people attending for interview when they have shown no real interest in the company.
Anticipate some of the questions the interviewer may ask. What are the key skills needed for the role you are applying for? What would be the main responsibilities? Have examples of situations where you displayed these.
Observe business etiquette. Be a few minutes early, smartly and conservatively dressed. Dark suits, light shirts or blouses, (all freshly cleaned). Take a professional looking pad and pen so that you can note down additional questions as the interview progresses- many interviewers expect this. It all contributes to making a good first impression.
Show enthusiasm! This is your ideal job - let the interviewer know. At the end of the interview, ask what the next step in the process is, for example, a second interview, assessment centre ,do they have any feedback for you etc.
Don't
Don't be tempted to criticise previous employers - it won't reflect well on you.
Dont ask inappropriate questions, such as "What is the salary?" at first interview, it gives the wrong impression of why you are there.
Dont interrupt the interviewer - enthusiastic yes, rude no.
Dont forget your research - go to your interview well prepared, it will give you confidence and it will impress the interviewer that you have taken the time to become knowledgable about these key areas.
