In my search for summer jobs and extracurricular activities for next year, I’ve had to partake in a large number of interviews lately.

Some of these interviews went great! And some… not so much. Through both the amazing and subpar interviews, I have learned a lot of tips and tricks that can help me in my future endeavors.

1. Dress for success

I’ve realized that I feel most confident when I look my best. Show your interviewer that you care about this opportunity enough to take time in doing hair and makeup and picking out a presentable outfit. It’ll make you feel better and give your interviewer a better first impression.

2. Practice possible questions

You know that your interviewer will ask why you want the job or why you think you are the best applicant. Prepare specific points that you want to answer these questions with. It’ll sound natural because you don’t have it memorized, but it will also make sure you say all you want to.

3. Research the organization

Who wants to hire someone that doesn’t know what they are applying for? If you don’t know about the organization previously, fake it until you make it. Research it and act like you’ve been dreaming about working there for years.

4. Be humble

Although it’s necessary to sell yourself to the interviewer by talking about your accomplishments, don’t overdo it. Stay humble by giving the organization a compliment in some areas and explaining how you can help make that area better than it already is.

5. Think positively

You may think your biggest competition for the opportunity is the other applicants, but sometimes your biggest competition is yourself.

If you psych yourself out before the interview, you’re going to do worse than you would’ve without doing so. Be confident and think positively about yourself. It will make the interviewer think positively about you as well.

There are definitely many more tips on interviewing out there, but these are the 5 that have helped me the most in my endeavors. I hope they aid you as well. Good luck interviewing!