Got a job interview lined up for a role you really want? These 7 tips could help you to create the right impression on the day so that you get hired.

Know the Dress Code

It’s worth always confirming what you should wear before turning up to a job interview. A suit may be expected in many high-earning jobs and can be a safe option if not specified. However, if it’s a role for a creative job or one in a laid back environment, a suit may come across too conservative – dressing smart casual may be a better option. Always make sure your shoes are clean, iron your clothes and bring an umbrella in case you get caught in the rain.

Plan to Arrive Early

Being late to an interview is never good. Always plan to arrive half an hour before. Avoid delays by researching traffic near you online (or look up public transport reports if you’re travelling by bus or train). If it’s an early morning interview, prepare what you can the evening before such as ironing your clothes or polishing your shoes.

Research the Company

The company will want you to have a keen interest in the company and may ask questions to test your knowledge. Research into them by reading information online. Make sure that you understand the company goals and ethos. Have they been running for a long time? Have they worked with some big clients? Is environmentalism a big concern for them? Their website and social media could be a good place to look for answers to these questions.

Know Your Unique Selling Point

The recruiter may be interviewing many people in one day. By identifying your unique selling point, you can help yourself to stand out. This could include past experience, education, relevant hobbies or achievements in your life that employers are likely to be impressed by. Also think of what things you may be able to bring to the company such as skills or niche expertise.

Avoid One Word Answers

One word answers may make you seem unenthusiastic. Try to always expand on answers if you can. Speak slowly so that you have enough time to work out an articulate response. This can also help you to be more concise if you have the opposite problem of speaking too much.

Turn Your Weaknesses into Strengths

A job interviewer may try to ask about your weaknesses. There may even be evident concerns on your CV such as a lack of experience or education. Try to identify your job-related weaknesses before heading to the interview and find ways of turning these into strengths. Applying for a job without enough education or experience could show that that you have good ambition and that you always strive above and beyond.

Ask Questions

The interviewer isn’t the only person that should be asking questions. Asking questions in return shows that you’re passionate about the job. It’s also your chance to work out whether the job is right for you – there may be certain dealbreakers such as requiring a certain wage or being able to work certain days from home. Remember that it’s as much of a chance for them to sell your company to you – asking questions could help you to ensure that the job is what was advertised.