Whether you’re interviewing in person or over the phone, you always want to make the best first impression possible. You want to present the best version of yourself. For any type of interview, the first thing you should do is research the company you’re applying for. Research the interviewer, research the company, research your potential position, and try to retain as much knowledge as possible. You’re going to be asked questions regarding your interest in the company as well as the position, and you must be able to give a standout response. Having some background information to support your reasoning for applying will definitely emphasize your interest, immediately giving you an edge.

The next thing you want to do for any interview is prepare, prepare, prepare. Aside from your research, look up some basic interview questions and write down some potential answers. One of the most nerve-wracking parts of an interview is not knowing what sort of questions you’ll be asked, but there are some basic questions that are usually pretty consistent in interviews. There are a ton of websites that list common interview questions, so it’s easy to get your hands on that kind of information. After you come up with a few potential answers, make sure you come up with questions that you want to ask the interviewer. One of the questions you always get asked is if you have any questions, and it’s always good to come up with a few questions because it, again, emphasizes your interest.

For phone interviews specifically, make sure you’re in a quiet, secluded area with excellent phone reception. The best thing about a phone interview is that you can have your notes right in front of you, so it’s easier to remember your potential answers, as they are right in front of your eyes. You should also make sure to drink a lot of water to ensure that the interview will not be interrupted by potential coughing or clearing of your throat. If you can’t understand something, don’t panic-  just ask politely if they could repeat the question. It’s better to ask instead of trying to guess what they said and then answer completely wrong.

For in-person interviews, make sure you’re dressed properly. Always make good eye contact and give a solid handshake. You’re already making a good impression when you do all of those things. Also, make sure to bring a notepad to take notes, as you could write down any questions that might pop up when you’re talking with the interviewer.