Research the company and the role. Research the company’s history and mission statement, as well as the responsibilities of the role you’re applying for. This will help you to understand the company culture and figure out any keywords or phrases you can use to talk about yourself and your skills during the interview.

Practice your responses. Prepare your answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What attracted you to this position?” and “Why should we hire you?” Doing so will help you stay focused and provide thoughtful, articulate responses.

Develop an elevator pitch. Create a 30-second summary of your qualifications, experience and skills that can be used to introduce yourself and provide a quick overview, just in case the interviewer does not have a prepared list of questions.

Prepare questions for the interviewer. Come up with questions to ask the interviewer, such as “What do you like best about working here?” and “What kind of growth opportunities does this role offer?” Not only does this show that you’re informed and interested in the job, but it also will help you determine if the job is the right fit for you.

Dress appropriately. For most jobs, business professional attire is appropriate. However, if the job is in a casual work environment, it’s best to check the company’s dress code before you go to the interview.