Job interviews. Like trips to the dentist and paying tax, they are one of those experiences that no one really enjoys, but have to be done if you're going to get ahead in life. For many people the interview process is a stressful time and it can be easy to let your nerves get on top of you. 

The best way to prevent this from happening is to prepare as thoroughly as possible. Not only will this help you overcome your nerves, you'll also be in a much better position to impress the interviewer and land the job you're after.

To help you prepare, we've put together a ten-point checklist of the things everyone should do before they have an interview. Carry out each step and you'll be in a good position to go into that interview and come out with a positive result.

1. Do your research 
First things first, you need to know the basics about both the job you've applied for and the company you want to be employed by. Interviewers are always looking to hire someone who genuinely wants the role on offer and showing you've gone to the effort to do some research will demonstrate this.

It will help your performance too, as having a good understanding of the job and some knowledge of the company will inform your answers and help demonstrate how your skills and experiences are relevant to the vacant role.

2. Think of some potential answers 
No two interviews are ever the same, but almost all of them will have at least a few questions in common. It's always worthwhile to try and think of some potential answers to questions you might be asked, as this will reduce the chances of you having to come up with a response completely off the top of your head. Click here to learn more.

3. Put in some practice
Following on from point two, there is never any harm in practicing some questions and responses prior to your interview. Get someone to help you out with this if you can and ask them to test you on what you know about the company/job and to fire some practice questions at you. This isn't an essential step, but it will certainly help to ensure you're prepared.

4. Plan your questions
While the vast majority of an interview is spent answering questions, it's also crucial to ask a few of your own. Again, this can show your interest in the role and gives you the opportunity to find out some information about the position you might not know. Have a few questions in mind going into the interview and don't be afraid to ask something in response to anything the interviewer says. 

5. Where are you going?
The next few steps are all about getting the logistics right. Firstly, you need to be sure of exactly where and when the interview will be. This may sound obvious, but turning up late because you didn't know which floor of a building your interview was being held on won't do you much good. If you can, try to find out who is interviewing you as well. That way, you'll know who to ask for.

6. How will you get there?
Once you know where you're going you need to think about how you're going to get there. If the journey will involve public transport, factor in time for any potential delays. After all, it's always better to be early than late. Ideally, you want to arrive ten to 15 minutes before the interview. 

7. What are you going to wear?
Another important step in the interview preparation process is to think about your outfit. First impressions count and it's always good to look the part. Consider what you're going to wear a few days before the interview and make sure everything is clean and ready to go. Watch our video for more information on what makes for a good interview outfit for men and women.

8. Get a good night's sleep
The chances of an interview going well are greatly enhanced if you look and feel your best, so a good night's sleep is always recommended. It might not seem important, but being well rested could be the difference between an interview performance that lands you the job and one that does not.

9. Stay calm
Being nervous before an interview is natural and most interviewers will take this into account in their assessment. However, it's important not to let your nerves get the better of you and affect your chances. Try to remain as calm as possible and remember that even if you don't get the job, it's not the end of the world.

10. Be positive
An interview is essentially a chance to blow your own trumpet and convince an employer you are the right person for the job on offer. Obviously you don't want to go overboard and seem arrogant, but you must not be afraid to highlight what it is that makes you special. So, smile, stay positive and always try to portray yourself in a good light. Remember, if you don't sell yourself, no one else will.