A couple of hours researching the company is your first step to good job interview preparation. This company information helps you to answer job interview questions effectively and to ask the most appropriate questions during the interview.

Good company research techniques set you up for success.

Taking some time to prepare your best interview answers to common job interview questions and practicing these before the interview is the next essential step.

For comprehensive advice on answering common interview questions including sample interview answers go to common job interview questions and answers.

Try to spend a night or two before the interview practicing your answers. This will give you that extra bit of confidence you need to stand out as the right candidate.

Practical tips for interviews include preparing all the documentation that you need to take with you to your job interview.

Make a couple of good quality copies of your CV or resume. Read through your resume the night before to familiarize yourself with the information the interviewer has about you. Be prepared to explain all details.

Be aware of any red flag areas such as gaps in employment that you will probably have to address with the interviewer. For useful advice on how to deal with potentially difficult topics during the interview go to handling difficult questions.

Put together a professional and tidy-looking folder to take with you to the interview. In addition to copies of your resume, include copies of your cover letter and any references you have. Have names, addresses and phone numbers of any potential references in case the interviewer asks for these. Include copies of your relevant certificates or qualifications.

Make sure you have a notebook and pen so that you can jot down details during the interview. If you have a copy of the job advertisement or a job description include these in your folder together with print copies of the company background information you have sourced.

You should have prepared some appropriate questions to ask the interviewer. Include a copy of these in your folder. View the comprehensive information on preparing good questions to ask in your job interview to help you prepare your interview questions.

One of the most essential tips for interviews is to make sure you know where you are going, how long it will take you to get to the company and who to ask for once you get there!

Call the company ahead of time and get good directions. Work out how long it will take to travel there. Give yourself sufficient time to arrive about 10 minutes early so that you can draw breath and settle down before your interview.