AN INTERVIEWER'S time is precious and they will be hoping, just as fervently as you, that you are the perfect solution to the vacancy.

Bear this in mind and the interview process may not seem as painful as you may have imagined.

It's still important to make the right impression though.

At an interview, your main aim is to reinforce the impression made by your CV.

You do not want to be stuck for words, so it is important to think about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it and how you are going to act, beforehand.

Here are a few pointers that should help:

Dress code

First impressions are important. Dress suitably for the company, and don't overdo make-up, jewellery, perfume or aftershave. Be smart and clean, but make sure you are wearing something you are comfortable in.

What should you take?

Take just one neat bag or briefcase with you containing a copy of your current CV and all relevant certificates and references. A notepad and pen may also be handy.

Body language

You may be superbly qualified for a job, but you must also look motivated and interested. The way you act, your posture, gestures and facial expressions will reveal a lot about you.

Be courteous, smile and shake hands firmly. Don't sit down until you are asked.

Take the lead from the interviewer - note whether their attitude is formal or relaxed.

Look the interviewer in the eye and don't be afraid to smile when it is appropriate.

If you are being interviewed by more than one person, always look at and address the person who posed the question, then glance at the others when you have finished your answer. Adopt a good posture. Don't cross your arms, fidget, tap your feet, sprawl or lean forward anxiously.

Sounding positive

You must be ready to expand on, not simply regurgitate, the information presented on your CV and anticipate the route the interviewer might take.

No-one fits a job perfectly so emphasise your most relevant skills and slant answers to reassure the interviewer that any shortfall is not a problem.

Don't use tentative language. Phrases such as "I feel I could", "I think I can", and "perhaps I would" dilute the strength of your case. Don't be evasive. Make a virtue of any career gaps on your CV.

Don't confine your responses to mono-syllabic "yes" and "no" answers. Be enthusiastic, but don't constantly interrupt.

Practice makes perfect. Before the interview, test your fluency by talking out loud or presenting to partners and friends.

Handling tough questions with confidence

Employers will ask questions deliberately designed to see how you behave and react in certain situations.

Giving a positive, fluent answer isn't as difficult as it might seem. With a little advance planning, it's perfectly possible to anticipate common general enquiries and prepare a coherent, effective response. In fact, you can turn these questions into an opportunity to take the initiative and "sell" the exact message you want.

Never answer a question you don't understand with a knee-jerk response. Always seek clarification before answering. If you don't know an answer, it's much better to admit this than guess.

Closing on a confident note

Leave the employer with a good final impression. Smile, thank them for their time, say you enjoyed discussing the job and that you look forward to hearing from them soon.