Increasingly, employers are using competency-based interviewing techniques to gather evidence in support of a candidate's case to ascertain that he or she has the ability, skills and motivation to match the 'competencies' outlined in the job and person specifications. The theory behind competency-based interviewing is that past work behavior is a good predictor of future job performance. When interviewers ask you competency-based questions, they want you to talk about how you have actually tackled real problems in the past. From this, they are trying to confirm how effectively you would tackle future problems if they were to offer you a job. In responding to a competency-based question, the most important principle is to: Give a real example that actually happened to you. Don't talk in broad terms about how you generally tackle those sorts of situations. Talk about a specific example but do not be too long winded about it. Once you have talked about your example, the interviewer will probably ask you further questions to get a deeper understanding of what you did. So, the second key principle is: Be ready to talk about your example in a lot of detail if needed.

One of the most common mistakes to make during the application process is to carry out insufficient research on prospective employers, as often the first question will be "what do you know about us?"Before meeting your potential employer, you'll need to be aware of the following:

• What does the company do?
• Who are their major competitors?
• What skills they are looking for, such as education or previous experience?
• What you can offer them?

The best place to research a company is their website. If this is not helpful try another similar company / competitor or email them at info@ if there is one or write to them and ask for information or a brochure. (anonymously if it may affect your chances). Most companies appreciate it if you know a little something about them, it shows you are interested. (Even if you haven't done that particular job before.)

No matter how well-qualified you are for a job, your personality and personal presentation will count enormously at interview.

• Know who it is you are meeting, where the building is and how to get there. Do a dry run if possible the evening before if it's local or you are unsure of the exact location.
• Get there early or on-time.
• If you drive there make sure you leave time for parking and you have change for the meter!
• Bring your contact details, a spare CV, pen and notepad. Note down the job requirements or print a copy to take with you.
• Have information ready to impress the interviewer with your research.
• Do your homework; find out about the company, read trade magazines, visit competitors' websites, etc.
• Study the job specification; match it to your CV so you can provide evidence that you meet the criteria.
• Take your photo identification; passport, driving license.

• Be clean, wear a smart but comfortable suit / outfit.
• Remember that you're making an impression as soon as you walk through the door.
• Be courteous to everyone, from the Receptionist to the MD - you never know who might influence the final selection of candidates, or even the job winner.

• Why are you looking to leave your current position?
• What are your main strengths?
• What is your biggest weakness?
• Where have you shown excellent team working skills?
• What is your biggest achievement?
• Where have you demonstrated a 'can do' attitude?
• What are your main skills?
• Why are you interested in the role?
• What progression are you looking for?

• What key things are they looking for the right applicant to possess
• What would my core responsibilities be?
• What training or induction is given?
• What scope is there for taking on extra work or being involved in any other aspects of the company?
• Where are the opportunities to progress within the company?
• What is the next stage to the interview?
• What reservations do they have about you?

If your salary expectations are asked rather than under pricing or over pricing yourself, why not ask the interviewer what they would look to offer someone with your skill sets and experiences?

• If you want the job, tell the client that you do. After all if there are 2 similar applicants applying for the job and only one says they want the position, who do you think will be offered it?!
• At the end, thank your interviewer for his or her time and shake hands.