When it comes to sailing through a job interview, preparation is always key. Having a thorough plan can both help you remain calm during the interview and set you apart from other candidates.

You should spend the time leading up to your interview learning as much as you can about the company you’re applying to, from the company`s culture to the interview questions that are likely to be asked.

Here are 8 Tips to help you:

1  Analyse the job description

Carefully read the job description, this will help you understand what qualifications, qualities and skills the employer is looking for. You can use this information to match your own skills and experience. The more you align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified for the job. Think about what qualifications that you will most likely be asked to elaborate on.

2  Research the company's organisational structure

Research the company so you can go into your interview with a strong understanding of the requirements of the job and how you will be a great fit. Researching the company and role thoroughly will help you to have an edge over your competition.

Here are a few places to research before your interview:

• Company website and 'About Us'
• Company history, mission and values
• Company social media
• Industry news, like press releases and articles

By spending time researching the company you will be able to show a good level of knowledge to the employer, as well as showing them how interested and invested you are in a career there.

3  Practise interview questions

Practicing common interview questions is a great way to prepare for an interview. Take note of your skills and accomplishments and think about how you can incorporate these points into your answers to prove that you can be a great addition to the company.

Common interview questions may include:

• "Tell me about yourself."
• "Why do you want to move on from your current role?"
• "Why do you want to work for this company?"
• "What would you say are your key strengths?"
• "What would you describe as your main weaknesses?"

4  Stock up on examples for competency-based questions

Most job interviews, will expect you to answer a series of competency-based questions. The employer will ask you to describe a real-life instance where you demonstrated a particular skill or behaviour.

Think about the key qualities, experience and skills mentioned in the job description, and plan out 5-10 real-life examples that you can share in the interview. Use the STAR method to tell the stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.

5  Ask a friend to help you practice answering questions and do mock interviews.

Practicing your answers out loud will help you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words. Practicing interviews is the best way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence. The more you repeat your interview, the more confident you will be during the interview itself.

6  Prepare questions for the interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions about the position and the company will make a great first impression and show your interest. Here are some questions you might ask:

• What's a typical day like for a person in this position?
• What's your favourite thing about working for this company?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

7  Print out copies of your CV

The interviewer probably has access to a digital copy of your CV already, but bringing a hard copy to the interview shows that you are prepared and organised. Bring at least three copies for multiple interviewers, plus one for yourself to follow along.

8  Prepare travel arrangements

It is important to plan your journey ahead of time. Determine where your interview is located, how long it will take to get there and what mode of transportation will be the most convenient. Having your travel planned out can ensure you arrive on time, reduce anxiety and demonstrate your professionalism and time management abilities. Make sure to give yourself lots of time to get to your interview, even if it means arriving very early.