Interviews are uncomfortable. They’re the adult equivalent to taking a test in school.

Today, there are two kinds of interviews: in-person and via video. While there is no contact in a video, almost everything else is the same. 

Here are some simple, basic rules for surviving the interview process.

First, what’s the process? Depending on your level in the company and the structure of the organization, you might have only one interview or you might end up doing several. At a certain level, your final interview might be in front of a panel of interviewers. 

Each interview should be the same and you should give the same basic answers. While there’s always more you can say, don’t change your answers unless you have a good reason. If you do change an answer, acknowledge that you thought more about it. Someone is taking notes and when they compare answers, they might decide you’re just saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear.

Prepare – Do your homework on the person you’re meeting, the people you’re likely to be working for, and the company. You don’t want to show up at an interview asking questions about what the company is going to do next or how the company’s stock is doing. It’s all about being the smartest person in the room. You do that by preparing.

Culture – Study what you can about the company’s culture. They often put information on their website about who they are and what they are trying to do. If you have a sense of what the culture is or what they’re going for, you can show that you’ve taken the time to know them.

Positives – Focus on your best qualities. You don’t have to say them repeatedly but be prepared to answer their questions with how you can make the company stronger or get the job done. Be assertive, but don’t brag. 

Dress well – Even if it’s a video interview, dress for the job. Treat every interview like it might be your last. If you’re lucky, it is. Find the right company with the right advancement opportunities and the right salary, and you won’t need to interview for another job, ever.

Study questions – Look for the usual questions in your industry. For example, in retail, you’ll be asked about the most difficult customer you’ve ever had and how you handled them. If you’re a computer programmer, you’ll probably be asked to do some coding or solve a coding problem. If it’s a video interview, you can have notes somewhere easy to see so you can answer the questions easily.

Practice – Get family and friends to interview you. Old college classmates are a wonderful place to go for tough questions. You can also stop by the local college career center for some practice. Even if it’s just you, practice answering the questions you might be asked. Answer them aloud, even if you’re sitting by yourself. 

Body language – Study body language, at least briefly. Understand what things like crossing your arms, steepling your fingers, or a look to the side mean to someone who’s studied body language. If you’re interviewing with a recruiter or an HR specialist, there’s a good chance they’ve studied it as well. Know some basics so you don’t give the wrong signals without knowing it.

Acing an interview takes a little practice and a little study. All you have to do is care enough about it to do it right and you’ll get the job. Remember, you’re there because they already think you have the skills. The interview is about personality and attitude.