5. Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

This question is designed to determine your career plan. Have you well planned short-term and long-term career goals? Is advertised position consistent with these? If hired, are you likely to commit yourself fully to company or will you seize first opportunity to move on? Show that you have a structured way of establishing goals. Demonstrate importance of job on offer as part of your career progression. Stress that you are ambitious, but realistic. Let them know that you plan to develop professionally within company and to work energetically to obtain promotion.

6. Why do you want to work for our company?

The interviewer is trying to discover how much you know about company. Once again, detailed company research will pay handsome dividends when it comes to answering this question. The candidate who displays a knowledge of company and an awareness of challenges it faces is more likely to be selected than tongue-tied interviewee who looks perplexed when asked why he or she wants to work for that particular company.

You should find out as much as you can about company's organisational structure; its financial history; its range of products, goods or services; its aims and objectives; its philosophy and culture; its trading methods; its history, current position, and future developments; its competitors; its training programmes; its attitude towards its customers; its achievements; and any problems it may have. Tailor your answer in terms of their needs not yours.

Be positive. Say that you like what you've heard about company and way they treat their staff and customers. Stress that you are confident that you can make a meaningful contribution.

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* Know what standards your employer uses for assessing performance and tailor your delivery accordingly.

* Prepare clear and concise documentation of relevant salary facts and figures, and details of ways in which you are contributing to company.

* Be aware of importance of negotiating skills: listen carefully to what your boss is saying; don't be confrontational; avoid ultimatums; and, if necessary, be prepared to compromise.

* Rehearse your performance with a valued friend who is prepared to ask you searching questions; criticize your delivery; and provide you with constructive feedback.

* If, because of circumstances beyond his control, your employer feels unable at this time to give you a pay rise, thank him or her for listening and ask to have your pay reviewed within three months.

* Remember that you will have to work with your boss in future; so, leave meeting on good terms, and NEVER bang door behind you.

Gerard McLoughlin, Director of Assignments Plus Communications, has contributed career-related articles to hundreds of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including: USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com, Jobs1.co.uk, Nurse-Recruiter.com, and Recruitireland.com.