95% of your success at a job interview can depend on how you handle yourself at the interview and not just your ability to do the job says Bronwyn Covill. Ms Covill is the founder of Career Force a company that helps people prepare for interviews.

She says common fears include failure to get a job offer because of poor interview performance, looking stupid or foolish, and being so nervous as to affect the ability to think clearly to answer questions articulately.

However, with some preparation these fears can be overcome.

• Arriving early to an interview is a must to calm nerves.
• Preparing two or three questions to ask the interviewer shows an interest and that you have given thought to the position.
• Researching the company thoroughly allows you greater background knowledge of the company when being asked questions.
• By preparing 3-5 of your key selling points that highlight your attributes and weaving the into the interview perhaps when asked questions such as 'Why should we hire you?'
• It is also important to dress appropriately for the industry and, if unsure Ms Covill suggests 'on the side of conservative'.

Finally, if you do not receive a job offer, remember there may be many reasons for this that are out of your control. Ms Covill advises contacting the company or interviewer and thanking them for their time, expression your disappointment and asking how you could improve next time.

(The Age, Sat 3rd Feb, 2007)