People who are successful at interviews are not lucky ones. They're people who have invested a considerable amount of time and effort into process. If you want to create a good impression at your interview, you need to begin preparing for it at least a week in advance.

First you should try to find out a bit about company and its products or services. There are several reasons for this:

• If you’re familiar with some of names, terms, and products associated with company then you’ll feel more relaxed at interview. Knowledge really is power. There’s nothing worse than feeling that you’re totally ignorant about procedures, personnel, and products. No one expects you to have a detailed understanding of place, but you should at least know whether company employs twenty people or two hundred; whether it makes sausages or software ... Don't laugh, some people really do turn up for interviews totally unprepared.

• The employer will be pleased that you know something about his business and this will put him in a better mood. You’ll also impress him as someone who has initiative and is willing to make an effort.

• You’ll stand out from other applicants who haven't taken trouble to do this research.