So, you’ve scored an interview—congrats! Now comes the part where you have to convince a bunch of strangers that you’re the best person for the job. No pressure, right? But seriously, interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not sure how to prepare. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered with these 10 key steps to help you nail your next interview.

Before you even think about what you’re going to wear, start by researching the company. Know their products, services, culture, and recent news. Check out their website, LinkedIn page, and any recent press releases. Understanding the company’s values and goals will help you tailor your answers to show that you’re a good fit.

Pro tip: Drop a few nuggets of this research during the interview to show you’ve done your homework. Interviewers love that.

Carefully read the job description and make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Think about how your experience and skills align with the job, and be ready to discuss them. This is where you connect the dots between what they want and what you bring to the table.

Remember: If they’re looking for a superhero with 5 years of experience in underwater basket weaving, make sure you highlight your superpowers!

You can’t predict every question, but you can prepare for the common ones like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to work here?” Practice your answers out loud so you sound confident and natural, not like you’re reading from a script.

Don’t forget to prepare a few examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and achievements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Interviews are a two-way street. You’re not just there to answer questions—you’re also there to ask them. Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company, the team, or the role. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you’ve done your research.

Example questions: “Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?” or “What are the biggest challenges the company is currently facing?”

Practice makes perfect. Do a few mock interviews with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on your body language, tone of voice, and how you come across. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel on the big day.

Also, try to time your answers. You don’t want to ramble on forever, but you also don’t want to give one-word responses. Aim for about 1-2 minutes per answer.

First impressions matter, and what you wear plays a big role in that. Choose an outfit that’s professional, comfortable, and appropriate for the company’s culture. If in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Pro tip: Try on your outfit a few days before the interview to make sure everything fits and looks good. And please, no flashy ties or neon colors—keep it classy!

Make sure you know where the interview is taking place and how you’re going to get there. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. If it’s a virtual interview, test your technology in advance to avoid any last-minute glitches. You don’t want to be that person who shows up late or can’t figure out how to join the Zoom call.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. You want to be fresh and alert for your interview, not yawning or struggling to keep your eyes open. Go to bed early, avoid caffeine, and try to relax. The more rested you are, the better you’ll perform.

Bring a copy of your CV, a list of references, and any other documents you might need (like a portfolio or work samples). Also, bring a notepad and pen to jot down notes or questions during the interview. It’s always better to be over-prepared.

And, for the love of all things professional, don’t forget to bring your brain! You’d be surprised how many people walk into an interview without their thinking cap on.

Finally, relax. Remember that the interview is as much about you evaluating the company as it is about them evaluating you. Be confident, be yourself, and let your personality shine through. The more genuine and authentic you are, the more likely you are to connect with the interviewer and make a lasting impression.