Do you feel a little nervous when interview time rolls around? You’re anxious to show your best side and, more than that, anxious to get the position. So what can you do to boost your chances of making a great impression and landing that job?

Follow these eight top tips to help you get hired:

1. Do your research

Ahead of the interview, make sure you do your research about the company. Come to your interview with a good knowledge of the business, and you’ll show the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in their business. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the role too as this will impact your answers.

2. Make a good first impression

It’s true what they say – you really do only get one chance to make a first impression. Make sure you look the part with clean professional dress. Even if the company is fairly casual, formal dress shows respect at an interview. Offer a firm hand shake with good eye contact and a genuine smile, and you’ll be off to a good start.

3. Show them why they should hire you

Interviewers and HR management are looking for someone who will fit well with their team. Show them that you’re the right fit with answers that demonstrate your suitability. Draw on examples from your past experiences to show that you can work well with a team, manage challenges and meet whatever each new day throws at you.

4. Prepare properly

Don’t leave anything to chance – or traffic! Make sure you know where you’re going ahead of time, and plan your route carefully. Try doing a test run, just to see how much time you’ll need and figure out details such as parking. Look up everything you need to the night before so that on the day you can focus on the interview, not on getting to it.

5. Ask the right questions

You’ll most likely be given the chance to ask questions at your interview, so make the most of it. Think about some questions ahead of time. Intelligent and genuine questions will let them know that you’re engaged with the interview process.

6. Be ready for anything

Interviewers will sometimes ask you questions designed to throw you off course. It’s all part of getting a feel for how well you perform under pressure. Don’t let it worry you – go in with a calm, can-do attitude and take everything as it comes. If something unexpected comes up, take a deep breath and consider the question before you answer.

7. Think before you speak

It can be all too easy to get nervous and start babbling in an interview, but try to resist. When you’re asked a question, take a few moments to think about your answer. It’s better to pause and give a great answer than rush in and give one you wish you could change. Pausing also lets you collect yourself, so you can answer in a calm and clear fashion.

8. Be positive and personable

Being well qualified for the job isn’t enough – employers want someone who will fit in and bring a positive energy to the team. Show off your enthusiasm and personality at its best and show your potential boss what a great contribution you can make. Don’t forget to be courteous to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the office junior – any of them might be asked to give feedback on you.

Be positive, pro-active and well prepared and you’ll boost your chances of having a great interview and landing that job.