Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview for that dream job you’ve been eyeing. Now comes the exciting part: preparing to shine and make a lasting impression. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or fresh out of college, mastering the art of preparation is key to nailing any interview. As a technical staffing specialist, I can safely say that these are not always done well.

Let’s dive into 3 subtle tips that make sure you won’t get tripped up.

Tell the truth. However much you might wish that you could change the facts about why you left your last job or say that you finished your degree when you really didn’t, lying or even exaggerating in a hiring process is an instant deal-breaker. Employers want to hire candidates with integrity and professionalism.

In a past opportunity, I had a candidate over-sell his ability on a technical project. Sadly, the interviewer was an expert in the field and knew right away that the candidate was exaggerating.

Listen actively. Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and cues. Take a moment to pause and collect your thoughts before responding to questions. This will allow you to formulate a clear and concise answer.

I once had a great candidate who was well-qualified, likeable, and a team player. Despite these great qualifications, his interview fell flat because, in essence, he “talked himself out of a job.” Instead of listening to the interviewer’s questions and thinking about his answers, he got nervous and talked about non relevant information.

Practice makes perfect! Practice answering common interview questions aloud. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during the actual interview.

Consider practicing with a friend, family member, or even in front of a mirror. Pay attention to your tone, body language and demeanor as you respond to questions. Remember, practice breeds confidence!