You may have landed an interview for your dream job (well done!), or you may be working towards a new job. Either way, your future depends on the outcome of your job interview, so your preparation for the day is absolutely vital. Take the time to prepare and job success is round the corner.

Here are 10 top tips for maximum interview success. Heed them and you have a great chance of getting hired, ignore them at your peril!

Background
1. Understand the role
Examine the published job description in detail. Take time to really understand what the company is looking for in a new employee for this role. i.e. the company and job requirements. Think about how you meet these requirements, and more importantly how you will benefit the company once you are hired.

2. Do your background research
Collect as much information as possible about the company before the interview. Consider the company website, the annual report and press releases. Search in Google for snippets about the company, and get up to date on any current news which may impact their business.

3.Consider the 'big picture'
Take your research further into the environment in which the company operates. Use the web and relevant trade journals to assess the impact of things such as environment, economics, health and safety, competition, new initiatives, industry research and so on. Jot down some talking points that demonstrate your knowledge of the industry as a whole, and be prepared to discuss the key points.

Practicalities
4. Timing on the day
No need to overstate, but you must be punctual. So if you don't know the location well then do a 'dummy-run' of the journey at the time of the day the interview is scheduled for. This will lessen the likelihood of traffic or transport delays. Charge your cell phone and enter the contact details of the company in case the unavoidable happens.

5. Get enough sleep
Yes we all know this, but it's worth repeating and it will pay off as in the interview you will feel fresh and alert.

6. Eat!
For a morning interview have some breakfast , even you don't feel hungry. This will pay off during the interview in keeping you alert and your energy levels up. For afternoon interviews avoid a heavy lunch, as this can make you feel sluggish. Sharp thinking and energy is vital on the big day.

Convey the right impression
7. Look the part
As far as possible, dress appropriately for the role and organization. Veer on the side of conservative. For men this normally means a dark blue or grey business suit with white shirt and an appropriately coordinating tie. For women, who have a lot more choice, conservative colors, tailored clothes and business like appearance is the key.

8. Smell the part!
A strange thing to mention possibly, but perfume and cologne and after shave products should be used with moderation, and should not overpower the interviewer. It's often overlooked how people react to smell. A strong overpowering smell can create a negative perception and it can take a lot of work to overcome. A subtle aroma can create a positive feeling, which of course is what you're after.

9. Be polite
Of course you will be polite and friendly to the interviewer, smile, extend a firm handshake, and look him or her in the eye. Also consider any administrative staff you encounter. They wield a great deal of power, and often give their impressions of a you to their supervisor, if even in an indirect way.

10. Be confident
Having arrived on time, feeling fully prepared and knowledgeable about the company, plus a positive feeling about your appearance and demeanour, now is your chance to shine. Be confident (but not over-confident) and demonstrate what you can do for the company and the job is yours for the taking.