Employers will almost always want you to attend an interview before offering you a position. Nobody likes interviews, but hopefully our guidelines below should help you on your way...

Be punctual
Know exactly where you are going and how to get there, to ensure you arrive on time. Where possible, make the journey beforehand, so that you will know for sure how long it is likely to take. Always allow for slight delays in public transport, and for traffic if driving. Aim to arrive early - you will usually be able to find a cafe/bar in which to kill time. If you are delayed, always ring to let the employer know.

Research
Show your interest by checking out the company's website/brochure before the interview. This is a great way of finding out what the company specialises in or places importance on. Always mention something positive from your research, giving the employer an opportunity to talk proudly about the company.

Preparation
Always prepare some questions - just as the interviewer is trying to establish whether you are right for the job, it is also a chance for you to find out if the job is right for you. Practice asking the questions before the interview and always talk in the third person - don't sound like you assume the job is yours.

Most employers will run through the package on offer, but try to find out exact living arrangements, for example how many you will be sharing with, proximity to guests, and if food is included, whether this comes as an allowance, or whether you will be expected to dine with guests. It is also worth finding out whether they will guarantee resort if they offer you a position - many will only specify country/region until training is completed.

Don't be scared to ask more testing questions, such as how they differentiate themselves from their competitors, and what they think the toughest aspects of the job are.

Common questions
When asked about your weaknesses, try to identify one that is easily remedied - you will almost always be asked how you think you will get around this weakness in the job role, so prepare a response for this also.

Don't be afraid to talk about your achievements - some employers will ask for specific examples of things you've achieved which you feel proud of, and also for examples of how you've resolved problems and overcome difficult situations.

Focus
Avoid rambling - try to stay focused, ensure that what you are saying is relevant, and have a clear idea of the points you'd like to get across during the course of the interview.

Avoid talking too much - the ability to listen is extremely important, and employers will be noting your communication skills throughout the interview.

First impressions
As the cliche goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. You should dress smartly in simple business attire, regardless of what you are applying for. Always offer a firm handshake, a winning smile, and maintain eye contact - without glaring!

Honesty
Honesty is the only policy - if you lie about your skills or experience during interview, you will only be caught out sooner or later, whether it be on training or in resort, and chances are you won't last much longer - interviews are about matching needs, and if there isn't a good match, then chances are the job will not work out.

CV
Always take a spare copy of your CV with you, and be prepared to answer questions about it - if there are any gaps in your CV, you will probably be asked to explain them.

Positive outlook
Always be positive about past experiences - no one likes a whinger! - if you are unable to avoid talking about negative aspects of previous experience/employment, ensure that you show you've taken something positive from it or learned from it.

Never criticise or badmouth previous employers - this is extremely unprofessional, and will almost always put off potential employers - if asked why you left a particular position, ensure you give a positive reason.

Perseverance
Don't be disheartened when you are not offered every position that you are interviewed for - we all have off days, and chances are that if you are turned down, perhaps the job wasn't for you after all.

If so, there is no harm in politely asking for feedback, which can be an invaluable way of improving future results. Also, the more interviews you attend, the better your technique will be.

Best of luck!!!