Even when you have experience with interviews, it can be nerve-racking and a little scary to walk in and meet with another individual about employment. The last thing you want to do is give the wrong impression by saying the wrong thing or being under prepared. We are here to help! Below is a list of 5 tips and tricks that will help you look your best and land the job.

1. There is no such thing as being too prepared
When preparing for an interview, make sure you take time beforehand to research the company and the person interviewing you (you can usually ask who you will be meeting with when the interview is scheduled). Learn about the facility, the background of the hiring manager, and any other information you feel may be beneficial to know (you should be able to find most of this information on their website). Hiring managers want to feel like you didn’t just show up and expect a job. Anticipate questions about the company and position for which you are interviewing. Even if they do not ask, you can throw in pieces of knowledge that will show you did your homework. The more information you are armed with, the better result you will have and the more you will stand out.

2. Make sure you have everything you need
The worst way to start an interview is to walk in and not have something you need. Be sure before you leave your house that you have everything you can think of that they MIGHT ask for. For example, not every hiring manager will ask for a copy of your resume, but some will. Bringing a copy just in case will allow you to look your best. Double check before you leave your car that you have it all. Copy of resume, check. Checklist of researched topics, check. PHONE ON SILENT, check.

3. Ask Questions
Remember, an interview is not an interrogation, it’s a conversation. Just as the hiring manager assessing you to see if you are a good fit, you should be doing the same. Come armed with questions for the hiring manager as well. They will be expecting you to engage in the conversation and having a set of questions prepared will allow you to ask them confidently instead of scrambling when they ask.

4. Don’t speak poorly of past employers or co-workers
Hiring managers will most likely ask you about previous positions and your relationship with those companies/employers now. Regardless of how you feel or what happened that resulted in your separation from that company, never speak negatively of previous employers, it will always reflect poorly on you. You being able to keep the conversation professional will show the hiring manager that you can maintain professional in this new position.

5. Maintain a positive attitude
No matter how much you prepare, sometimes interviews just don’t go well. Whether you decide you are not a good fit or the interview just feels uncomfortable, always maintain a good attitude throughout the entire interview. You may leave the interview knowing you will not be taking that position, but you want to be sure to keep those doors open for the future. Having a bad attitude in the moment may burn a bridge that could help you in the future with a position you actually want.

Interviewing for a job can be a tough thing to do, but following these 5 tips and tricks will help make sure you are fully prepared and ready for anything.