More jobs than ever on the market - here's how to get one

For the eleventh consecutive month, the placing of permanent staff through consultancies has risen.

Victoria Lewis, who has branches in Epping and Waltham Cross, echoes this increase with a significant rise in permanent and temporary work throughout their branches.

"Despite the fact that earlier in the year availability fell for the eighth month in succession, we have seen a positive increase in the number of candidates we've placed in both permanent and temporary work," says Manager, Joanne Wood.

As well as having the particular skills for a job, candidates need to feel confident when attending interviews in order to command a headstart.

Consultants with Victoria Lewis are trained to give one-to-one advice on attending interviews and here they share some helpful tips on making the most of your interview:

1. Be clear in your mind that the job you've gone for is one that you want. Don't waste your time or that of the interviewer.
2. Do some research on the company. A consultant worth their salt will give you the information you need. But do ring the company yourself and request some company literature. Knowledge brings confidence.
3. Check your dress-sense. Ladies! No short skirts, nose studs or revealing tops. Men! No gimmicky socks, nose studs or trainers.
4. Arrive in good time. Allow 10 minutes to gather your thoughts. There is no acceptable excuse for being late.
5. Body language! Practice a firm handshake. Make eye contact. Both send a message of confidence and openness. First impressions are made in the first six seconds.
6. Show an interest in, and an understanding of, the job. Areas to highlight are: potential prospects, training and responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate a particular achievement through active words eg 'responsible for'; 'successfully completed'; 'achieved'.
8. Be truthful. Don't embellish the facts. Honesty is always the best policy.
9. Prepare two questions to ask at the conclusion of the interview. Your consultant will help you compile these. Forewarned is forearmed.
10. Thank your interviewer and ask when they hope to make a decision. Feeling really confident? Ask your interviewer if they have any reservations in inviting you for a second interview.
11. Ring your consultant as soon as possible following the interview. They will promptly relay your thoughts to the client, also establishing their feedback to relay to you.