1 It’s very important to have a very clear, concise application. Look at the job role, look at the job specification on the website and send in a CV that clearly matches what they’re looking for.

Those applying for auditor positions with us should look at the dynamics of the job and match it with their own interests and experience. We’re looking for people with hands-on practical knowledge of agriculture as well as a suitable third-level qualification. These auditors are going out onto dairy and beef farms, so they need to understand the workings of a farm so they can ask the right questions.

2 Look at the mantra of the company (South Western: “Innovation, customer focus, can-do attitude, integrity & respect”) and what you want for your career. Sell your beliefs and career ethos to those interviewing you and they can determine from that whether you’re someone they want to employ.

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If you’re focused and driven in your own career, you’ll go that extra mile. I’ve a very genuine interest in agriculture and that was very important for my job, but it’s what I’m about.

3 I feel sometimes that people don’t blow their own trumpet loud enough. I’ve had to pull information from some people. You need to show us that you’re the person we want.

The closing statement can be the making or breaking of an interview.

People fall there, but the closing statement is an opportunity to copper-fasten your application. You need to show you know what the job involves, you’re capable of it and you’re the right person for it.

When you are asked for your closing statement, have one little mantra ready. If you don’t have self-belief, it comes across in an interview.

4 Get coaching done. The worst critic you have is yourself. Identify your strengths and build on them before the interview.

Go away and get a professional CV done. It gives a very bad impression when there are errors (even simple typos) on a CV.

5 Be yourself. Don’t be someone else, because you won’t be able to keep that up, and it becomes obvious during the course of the interview.