Learning English

A job interview is one of the most stressful situations we can put ourselves in. We have only a short amount of time to sell ourselves, to prove that we are worthy of the job being offered.

There are many ways to prepare for an interview and different strategies for coping with the interview itself. However, there are some pitfalls that every interviewee should try to avoid.

Don't lie! Everyone exaggerates on their CV, don't they? Well, that's fine unless you get caught out. That shows the interviewer that you are dishonest. Probably not one of the character traits they're looking for.

Find out about the company you are applying for. That means more than a quick internet search. It's easy to come up with a few superficial things but a wily interviewer is likely to see through the veneer if you really know nothing about the company. The only sure solution is to prepare thoroughly.

Be presentable. This means more than just wearing appropriate clothes. As well as dress, there's body language, the way you shake hands, the way you sit, the tone and pitch of your voice. Every mannerism is scrutinised.

However, not every aspect of the interview can be prepared for. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says there's just one test he uses for potential employees.

He would only hire someone he himself would want to work for.

So far, it seems the test has served the billionaire entrepreneur well.

He employed Sheryl Sandberg as his chief operating officer and now considers her a mentor.

Facebook has more than a billion users but its workforce is relatively small, with fewer than 10,000 people employed by the company.

Zuckerberg says the most important thing when looking for a job is to "just have faith in yourself and trust yourself".