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So, you’ve got a job interview. Congratulations! You’re one step closer to convincing total strangers that you’re the responsible adult they should trust with company email access and maybe a potted plant. But before you panic-Google “how to be charismatic in 30 minutes,” breathe—and read these seven tips to help you (maybe) ace your interview and (definitely) not cry in the bathroom afterward.

1. Dress for the job you want (within reason)

Yes, appearances matter. But let’s be clear: wearing a full tuxedo to a startup interview is less “confident” and more “wedding crasher.” Aim for something neat, clean, and slightly more formal than what you’d wear to binge Netflix. Bonus points if you iron it.

2. Know where you’re going

Showing up late because you “couldn’t find the building” is not ideal unless you’re applying for a job as a lost tourist. Check the address the night before. If it’s online, check the link. Then check it again. Zoom interviews can be just as scary when you realize your username is still “HotDogFan87.”

3. Prepare for the classics

“Tell me about yourself.”

“Why do you want to work here?”

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

These questions are inevitable. Practice answering them without sounding like a robot or a motivational poster. Be honest but professional. “My biggest weakness is pizza” is charming only if you’re applying to Pizza Hut.

4. Don’t oversell yourself (unless you’re a salesperson)

Confidence is a key. Delusion is not. Don’t claim to have “10 years of marketing experience” when you’re 23. Interviewers Google. They know math. Instead, highlight what you have done—and throw in a quick story to show how you handled a challenge, solved a problem, or survived a group project without resorting to arson.

5. Ask smart questions

At the end, they’ll ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Please don’t say, “Nah, I’m good.”

Ask about the team, company culture, what a typical day looks like. Avoid “How many vacation days do I get?” unless you’re applying to be a travel blogger.

6. Don’t panic if you blank

It happens. Your brain takes a coffee break mid-question. Stay calm, sip water, and say, “That’s a great question, let me think about it for a moment.” It sounds intentional, and you get a second to reboot your internal software.

7. Say thank you (like a grown-up)

After the interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows you care, and that you’ve mastered the ancient art of email etiquette. Keep it short, sincere, and typo-free. “Thanks for interviewing me” is good. “Thanx 4 ur time lol” is… not.

Job interviews can be weird, awkward, and occasionally soul-crushing. But they’re also an opportunity. So take a deep breath, channel your inner charming genius, and go in knowing one truth: everyone’s faking it a little. Even the interviewer.