Interviewing for a job can be one of the most nerve-wrecking experiences that a person can go through. Whether it’s to be a bagger at a local grocery store or a managerial position at a high-end company, an individual’s palm-sweating and high blood pressure will be prevalent. Here’s a few tips that will not only calm the nerves, but also make the interviewee more confident with poise.

1.) Know who’s interviewing you and general information about the company

This is especially important as he or she will be asking you questions about why you wanted this particular job, and why he or she should hire you. Know the mission, goals and values of the company. This will help form and tailor your answer to align with the company; therefore, making you a valuable asset through the interviewer’s eyes.

2.) Dress appropriately!

I really don’t think I can stress this enough. Jeans are NOT appropriate for a job interview. No matter how cute the top is that you paired with them, jeans are not considered a “proper” article of clothing. Black pants are always a safe option and khakis can be worn in a more casual circumstance. As for girls, skirts and dresses that are not form-fitting or too short are also a nice option.

Every individual should have a really nice folder and/or resume sleeve to keep cover letters, resumes, reference pages, etc. organized. Your interviewer will want copies of these documents for the company’s use in choosing a candidate to fill the job position. If you don’t have them, then not only will it look unprofessional, but also the company will not have your documents to even consider you for the role.

4.) Practice common interview questions with a friend!

This helps immensely, believe it or not. Going through various interview questions allows you to become familiar with the type of grammar and diction that the interviewer is going to use on you. Replying in a respectful, formal manner to a friend will make replying to a stranger definitely easier – that is if you can actually get through the process without laughing at each other. Pick a friend that’s good at constructive criticism, and you’re going to blow your interviewer away with quick, well-spoken answers.

5.) Ask your interviewer questions!

If you don’t ask questions, then your persona can come off as you don’t really care about the position or the company. Ask what the next step in the interviewing process is, what a normal day would look like if you got the job, if there’s any training involved before you work directly in the role, etc. Questions = involvement and interest. It’s like going to class and having no clue what the professor is talking about, not asking questions, and ultimately, failing the test. You will fail at landing the job if you don’t ask your interviewer questions.