The interview stage is perhaps the most daunting part of the whole application process.  After all of the hard work of writing a good CV / Resume, applying and being successful, you now have to sell yourself face to face.  Here are 10 tips and pieces of advice that can assist you prepare for your interview:

1.  Re-read your own CV / Resume, know yourself inside out and try to anticipate questions that will be asked of you in relation to your skils, education and interests.

2.  Research the firm you have applied for by reading their website, annual report and press releases.  Browse the internet for news stories that the firm might have been involved in so that you can show a wider knowledge of their business.

3.  Have prepared a couple of questions with which to ask the interviewer yourself.  These should not be questions that could be answered easily by looking at the company's website or promotional literature (for example).  Resist asking about money!

4.  Practice a strong, assured handshake.

5.  Have your travel to and from the interview venue clearly planned and pre-arranged.  Lateness will not impress a potential employer and a rushed journey will do nothing to calm any nerves.

6.  Generally speaking you attend wearing a smart suit, with a plain matching shirt and tie combination.  Make sure you have these.  Smart, clean formal shoes are also a must.

7.  Work on a positive, relaxed body language to adopt during the interview.  Plan where to put your hands so you do not fidget during the interview.

8.  Have prepared additional copies of your CV / Resume to hand out as there may be more than 1 interviewer on the panel. 

9.  Be up to date on the latest industry / sector developments.  Ensure you are to date on the big happenings and the latest news.

10.  Turn your mobile phone off or better yet, leave it in your car or at home!

Your CV/Resume is the key to getting an interview. You could well be the best candidate for the job, but if what's written down in black and white isn't up to scratch, you might as well not bother. Here are 10 things you should have on your resume / cv - so check yours, and don't let basic errors stop you from getting your dream job!

1.  Resist titling with the words 'Curriculum Vitae' or 'Resume'.  This is obvious to any recruiter - use this space to insert your name clearly.

2.  Include contact details where you can actually be contacted.  Use appropriate and active email addresses and phone numbers you don't mind being called on.

3.  Gaps in employment?  Fill them with information about voluntary work undertaken, or having taken the opportunity to travel etc.  Don't leave it blank and open to awkward questions.

4.  If you have included a covering letter, consider whether a personal profile section is necessary should you have one as an opening to your CV or resume.

5.  Include only the most relevant education and achievements for the job you are applying for.  Don't waste the recruiters time with pointless information that will be overlooked in any event.

6.  Emphasise skills such as I.T., languages or niche interests that you believe make you stand out.

7.  If your CV looks crowded to you, then it will to a potential employer as well.  Keep it concise, relevant to the job you are applying for an under 2 pages long.

8.  Never include a photo (unless a model of course!), you will risk being judged on looks rather than your skills.

9.  Talk yourself up if you have achieved something of note.  Resist making a meal of something that isn't all that impressive, as if tested in interview, you will be exposed.

10.  Resist including information that isn't relevant such as date of birth, marital status - you should aim to get judged on the merits of your experience and skills.