#01 Is this your job?
Be clear that this really is the job for you by interrogating yourself ruthlessly about what you want, and how good a fit this is with what is on offer. Why you want the job is one of the most important questions they will ask and you need to have a convincing answer.
#02 Do the research
Most candidates do far too little research. What problems would this jobholder be expected to solve? Why is there a vacancy at all? What kind of a culture does this organisation have? How financially stable is it? And what would this boss be like to work with?
#03 Learn how to stay calm
A little nervousness during job interviews is fine, but if it is overwhelming, it can get in the way. Some simple, disciplined breathing can help: breathe in slowly to a count of seven then breathe out at the same rate to a count of 11. Imagine you're gently blowing out a candle as you do the out-breath. This is instantly calming.
Alternatively, try to visualise yourself in the interview room giving an excellent account of yourself: imagining success in this way programmes your brain to expect it and therefore has a positive effect on your behaviour.
#04 Match their style
Part of your research will be on how people dress in the organisation. Your own outfit should be an exact match to whatever the interview panel will be wearing. Don't assume that in an apparently informal organisation it will be OK to wear casual dress: it may not be. Equally it may give the wrong impression if you wear a suit in an organisation where people always dress down. Ask for advice on this from a friendly insider. Remember that everything you wear should be in immaculate condition. That means no stains, drooping hems or missing buttons. Anything less than immaculate will suggest that your work could be the same.
#05 It's a social event
Essentially, a job interview is a social event where the interviewers are the hosts and you are the guest. Bear in mind that it's a two-way process — you are choosing them as much as they are choosing you. The hiring decision is made on emotional grounds, later justified with rationality. Your selectors are asking, "Do I like this person? Is he/she enthusiastic? Is he/she a nice person? Will they fit in?" Be authentic, but smile and be enthusiastic.
#06 Anticipate the questions
There is no mystery about the questions. The actual words are unpredictable but the questions are not. Expect to be asked for real evidence of your skills and achievements on every aspect of the job specification.
#07 Use storytelling to offer evidence
The majority of candidates answer questions with bald assertions about how good they are. It is much better to answer questions with skilful stories that show how you have already solved problems and demonstrated the skills that the new job will need. This keeps the panel awake and entertained. Assemble your anecdotes in advance so that you can tell them crisply and convincingly within a two-minute limit.
#08 Do a practice run
Ask a friend or family member to run a practice interview with you and listen carefully to their feedback: this hugely increases your chances of getting the job.
#09 Never negotiate during the interview
Save the negotiation for the actual job offer and expect to negotiate on at least three aspects of it. Beware of getting too hung up on salary — often the non-financial benefits can be more valuable.
#10 Plan your entry to the new job
Take your time to learn what the job is: observe and ask questions before plunging into actually doing it.
Jenny Rogers is author of Job Interview Success (£14.99, McGraw-Hill) and founder member of Management Futures. Visit JennyRogersCoaching.com
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