Your interview can be the most crucial factor that decides whether you will get hired for a job or not.

Each and every employee has gone through it: You probably still feel the butterflies in your stomach whenever you think of the day that your boss interviewed you for the job (that you eventually got hired for, but still).

It’s vital to polish your interviewing skills. Whether you’re a new grad or a veteran tech professional looking for a better job, we have interview prep from a tech recruiter in six steps to prepare for that all-important job interview:

6 Steps for Interview Preparation

1. Fix your resume.

While you’re prepping for the interview, your resume is the first thing those prospective employers will see of you. Make sure that it is comprehensive, concise and informative.

How to easily fix your resume: Make it as presentable as possible, starting with a clean and consistent page format. You can make a great first impression in advance with a great resume. If you’re unsure about your resume, ask your recruiter for honest, candid feedback.

2. Prepare for the interview as early as possible.

Start from the way you look. Make sure that you are groomed and dressed properly before showing up for the interview. Prepare extra copies of your resume and other important papers that the employer might need in the course of the interview.

3. Learn about the company that you are applying for.

You should at least have some knowledge of the company’s background before you show up. Questions about the organization (like goals, mission, and more) are sure to arise. So, either get prepared to discuss your knowledge of the company or be prepared for an awkward moment in the interview.

4. Show up early.

It is never acceptable to be late for interviews. You should have a number to contact should an emergency come up and you will not be able to come on the scheduled date or time.

5. Rehearse.

There are regular questions that always come up during job interviews, and it is good to at least have an idea of how you would answer them. Rehearsing would also help prepare your emotions and give you a boost of confidence to face up to your potential future boss.

6. Be cool yet confident.

In the course of the interview, maintain eye contact. Make sure that you answer all questions honestly, confidently, and briefly. You should only elaborate on certain aspects when asked by the interviewer.

Follow Up

After the interview, no matter how badly or wonderfully you think you did: Never forget to thank the person for their time meeting with you. And, lastly: Make sure you get the interviewer’s email address and send a thank you note to display your utmost professionalism. Your recruiter can help with the best interview prep and follow-up, so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance!