Over the past eight years, interviewing candidates for senior positions with major corporations and the federal government, I’ve been struck by how many candidates who look great on paper come unstuck at interview. Often, very intelligent people can make basic mistakes. Some have obviously made no preparation and appear disorganised. Others assume their record or qualifications will speak for them, or, not wanting to appear conceited, do little to sell themselves.

A candidate who prepares well and presents well will always win out over candidates with similar credentials and experience.  

To help you ace your next job interview, I’ve turned the interview process inside out with a list of 30 ‘must do’s’ that will help you woo and win interviewers like myself.

1. Do confirm all important details such as time and location the day prior to the interview.

2. Do some background research, or review the research you have already completed. By the time you attend the interview you should be reasonably well acquainted with the organisation and the type of work they do, as well as the details of the position.