There is an abundance of information available regarding the interview process. There are books that list literally nothing but 'likely questions' and their 'best answers'. Search the internet for information on, for example, "Job Interview tips" and you'll get about 1.6-million results. Search for "Job interview questions" and you'll get over 17-million results. Lucky you've ended up at this page!

By all means, use those lists of questions to practice with. Sitting down with a friend and running through a mock interview is an extremely good way to consolidate your responses to various questions and build confidence. Ideally your friend is objective enough to give good feedback, not just on your answers but also on your body-language and appearance in general.

However, be very wary of memorising hundreds of 'best' answers. You're using the same World Wide Web as everyone else, and you'd be surprised how similar the answers on those 17-million sites can be (...not that I've checked them all). Interviewers get very bored of hearing the same cliches from numerous applicants. More than that, it's immediately obvious when an answer is being recited verbatim, rather than being an honest and considered response to their question.

'Behavioural Interviewing' is commonly used by recruiters and HR departments nowadays. It works on the premise that the best indicators of how you'll perform in a future role are in examples from your past. You're usually asked to talk about a time that you found yourself in a particular situation and describe how you solved or responded to that problem. These aren't generally questions you can answer with a one-word, or even one-sentence response.

Behavioural interviewing calls on you to tell short-stories about yourself. If you can have 2 or 3 examples of situations where you've successfully overcome a difficulty or instigated an improvement in a workplace you'll be well equipped to handle any question, be it 'behavioural' or otherwise. Try to have a range of stories that highlight different aspects of your character. Examples might be: Demonstrating your ability to multitask or cope with pressure; an example of your initiating a new direction or project on behalf of your company; an instance where you negotiated a bad relationship in the workplace; even something that didn't necessarily end well but provided you with a valuable learning experience.

Anecdotes, rather than short sharp answers, also tend to lighten the mood in an interview. If you can create a conversational exchange between yourself and the interviewer, you're doing well. Remember, the fact that you've been asked to come in for an interview says the company is interested in you - this is not a test, it's a great opportunity to talk about what a good thing you working there could be.

And that's an important point - Be sure in your own mind why you want to work there. To get excited about a job you'll need to have researched the company, the role, and ideally, the people that work there. Looking at the job ad, and also what you've learnt about the company, think about what you can offer them that other applicants might not. Also, put yourself in the employer's shoes and try to identify what their fears may be - the interviewer can be just as nervous as you are. It can be a very good idea to gently make mention of things that put those fears to rest.

Lastly, remember this is a two-way conversation! You are not being tested - you and the interviewer (on behalf of the employer) are trying to judge whether you're suited to each other. Have questions ready to ask the interviewer that will help you in your decision. Just make sure they're well prepared questions that show you have a good understanding of the company. And questions that show you have a good analytical mind. And that you're probably the best potential employer that's ever walked through their doors.