I get lots of questions asking me for job interview tips, so I thought it would be helpful to provide a guide on how to improve your interview technique.

1. Listen to the question being asked - I’ve interviewed candidates who only listen to the first part of the question because they are too busy thinking about how to answer the question. If you are nervous, write down the question so that you don’t miss anything. If you are unsure of the question being asked then ask for the question to be repeated or clarified.  

2. Answer the question that has been asked - Answer the question in 4 or 5 concise sentences and just stick to the facts. Do not give an unrelated answer no matter how useful you think the information is. This can give the impression that you have not listened to the interview question, that you are unable to communicate effectively or may have something to hide.  

3. Answer in the first person - Use 'I' rather than 'we' even if the achievement was a team effort as interviewers want to know about your specific contribution. Starting your answers with ‘I’ will stop you falling into this trap.

4. Sell yourself - The interviewer will expect you to sell yourself and you need to show the value you can bring to a company. Make sure you know what sets you apart from other candidates and be specific about what you've done that has made you successful.

5. Be honest with your areas for development  - Everyone has areas for development and as long as you can demonstrate in the interview how you are going about improving your skills, the interviewer won’t hold this against you.

6. Don't exaggerate - Don’t exaggerate or add on something which you did not do. You will probably be caught out and in the event that you are not and you get the job, you may find that you are unable to carry out some of your duties causing untold stress for yourself.

7. Give examples - Give examples from work, study or personal life to demonstrate your skills but make sure you give a wide variety of examples. Don’t answer questions with words such as, ‘I would do’. Interviewers want specific examples on what you actually did not hypothetical answers.

8. Tell stories - Stories are easier to remember for you and for the interviewer and they allow you to demonstrate your skills. For example saying that you are a good leader sounds arrogant but if you tell the story of how you successfully led a team then that shows interviewers your skill.

9. Control your nerves - Take two deep breaths before you start, this will help you to slow down when you start to speak and create a more confident first impression. Pausing also gives you time to collect your thoughts and you’ll be less likely to lose track of what you are saying.

10. Concentrate body language - The best way to be aware of your interview body language is to practice in front of a mirror. This way you can be confident that you are sending the right message in your job interview. Also pay attention to the interviewer's body language. You ideally want the interviewer to be doing the same things you are like maintaining eye contact, nodding, smiling and leaning forward.

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