Chance circumstances that could slip you up

The Interviewer may be having a bad day

Be patient, the interviewer may be very busy, do not be perturbed if they do not instantly know why you are visiting.

They may be running late, if you have to wait for a long time use the bathroom facilities, flick though a newspaper, focus on what you want to say during the interview, perhaps chat to the receptionist.

The interviewer may be younger than yourself

If you are applying to an Internet firm or any new start-up business then it is conceivable that the employer will be your junior.

If you are many years older, do not be offended if the interviewer shows little respect, and similarly you should not say anything patronising. It is best to forget it, and not to draw attention to the fact, for example do not say, "Ah, I remember when I was your age, this tower block was a green field, and I used to collect bottle caps for a crown a piece".

If the person supposed to be interviewing you is not available and someone else has to stand in

Do not let this phase you, there are many reasons why the original interviewer may not have been able to make it, for example due to Illness, a double diary booking, or an urgent appointment. Ask if it would be convenient for you to come back on another occasion, if they say that it is not necessary then go ahead with the interview with the same confidence and aplomb as you would any other.

Ask whom you should contact to follow up the interview, i.e. the original interviewer or the replacement.