The key to successful job interviews is to be prepared. This can not be stressed enough. It is imperative that you are totally organised, have done your homework, have researched the company, have selected your outfit, know exactly how you will get to the interview and how long it will take you to get there. Leave nothing to chance, be as prepared as you possible can.

The first step in getting ready for an interview is question preparation. You should prepare answers to questions, complete research about the company and the interviewer/s if possible and prepare some questions you would like to ask the interviewer/s.

This means you should think (or write notes) about possible answers to questions you may be confronted with in an interview. Consider the following:

After thinking of these points, prepare examples or sample answers that you can use in the interview. Preparing these will enable you to adjust your answers to suit the type of questions you are asked. It may be as simple as using a scenario you have previously identified but changing the focus to highlight your leadership skills or your ability to communicate well. You may find it beneficial to rehearse questions or a mock interview with a friend or colleague.

The second step in preparing for job interviews is to be aware of the many different types of interview, and tailor your already prepared answers for each of these scenarios. You will be surprised at how being prepared to answer questions will increase your confidence in the interview.

The following outlines a variety of interview styles you may come across.

Panel Interviews
Panel interviews consist of anything from two to ten interviewers, they are generally formal and use a set of standard questions for all applicants. The benefit is you have the opportunity to present yourself in the best light to a range of people that would generally need to see you prior to you being appointed anyway. The panel may consist of the up-line manager of the position, HR manager, accountant, colleague currently working in a similar position etc. As the interviewee sees so many people at once, the selection process is sped up.

The best way to handle a panel interview is to remain calm and focused and try to make eye contact or speak directly with every person at sometime throughout the interview. You should make eye contact with anyone that is asking you a question.

Behavioural Interviews
The theory behind behavioural interviews is that your past behaviour in work or conflict situations will determine how you behave in the future. You may be asked questions that seek an explanation about how you dealt with a particular situation. For example, "Tell me about a situation where you...".

Many interviewers will include a number of behavioural questions rather than conduct the entire interview in this style. Prior to attending an interview, think about challenging or difficult work situations you have come across and how you dealt with them. Then you will have examples ready to assist you in a behavioural interview.

General Structured Interviews
This type of interview may focus on your career history first then move on to cover your personality, motivation and character. Staying focused on the job responsibilities of the position you have applied for will assist you to share the skills, strengths and achievements that will be most relevant to the role.

Team Interviews
Generally made up of a team of two interviewers, a 'good cop/bad cop' routine may be followed where one asks the more difficult and sometimes aggressive questions while the other gently takes you through your career history, character and achievements, asking for clarification along the way. While one asks questions, the other takes notes. To effectively handle this style of interview, treat everyone equally and direct your answers to and make eye contact with, all parties.

Telephone Interviews
While more common when an applicant and interviewer are in different locations, telephone interviews are commonly used as an initial screening process and your performance may determine whether you move on to a face-to-face interview. Treat the process as you would any interview, be prepared, ensure you will not be disturbed or distracted during the call and communicate clearly and slowly.

Used particularly in telemarketing positions or predominately telephone based roles, telephone interviews will enable a potential recruiter to test your ability to communicate on the telephone.

Video Conferencing Interviews
Increasingly becoming more common, video conferencing interviews provide the opportunity to be interviewed by one or more people when the applicant and interviewer's are in different locations. Potentially, multiple sites can be linked and you may be answering questions to people in many different locations.

To remain confident and calm, remember the following:

Always be on the look out for 'open questions' during interviews. Open questions can not be answered with a simple 'yes or no' they require a thought out response. In response to an open question, whatever topic you talk about first, is what the interviewer takes as the most significant to you. Therefore, it is important to think about some open questions so you don't get caught out in an interview situation.

For example, "What did you enjoy most about your previous role?" - Interviewer may be looking for answers regarding communication, time management or organisational skills. "How do you enjoy working?" - Interviewer may be looking for answers regarding team work, amount of pressure you are comfortable working under or your ability to delegate.

The best way to answer open questions is to recall scenarios you have thought about prior to interview and use these examples to support your answers. You may have to approach the scenarios from a different angle but you will have material ready to add depth to your responses.

Another thing to prepare prior to any interview is the types of question you would like to ask the interviewer/s. These should refrain from being personal questions or questions that you could obtain when completing research about the company.

Topics you may wish to consider asking questions about include:

As an interview is an exchange of information, you should make a point of asking questions. Not only will this highlight your interest in the company and the position but will show the recruiters that you have truly prepared for the interview. Asking questions provides you with additional information that will assist you make an educated decision should you be offered the position.

As the interview nears the end and you have asked the interviewer/s your questions, you may wish to clarify when you can expect to hear about the position, advise of your availability for follow up or even determine how they wish to proceed.

Finally, it's a good idea to have a short, sharp summary statement that highlights your strengths, ready to deliver at the conclusion of your interview. It's important for the interview to end well, and a little reminder of your abilities to conclude the interview will reinforce your talents.

Some interview tips to remember: