1. BE EARLY

Get familiar with the environment. Check yourself in bathroom mirror beforehand. No food in your teeth? Make sure hair, makeup, nails and nail polish are neat and appropriate.

2. DRESS FOR THE ROLE, BUT JUST A BIT MORE CONSERVATIVELY THAN YOU THINK NECESSARY

Women: Opt for minimal, natural makeup. Wearing glasses can project intelligence and seriousness. Hair up or in a bun gives a more managerial or executive impression. For sales or entry-level positions, it's ok to flaunt appearance and your personal style a bit more.

Men: Be clean shaven or ensure well-groomed facial hair.

Everyone: Conceal large tattoos (unless applying to work at a tattoo parlor). Choose neutral colors, which are non-committal if you want to downplay your personality and blend in. Wear blue-based colors if you want to project an aura of honesty and calm. Avoid red, unless you want to come off aggressive or dominant. Avoid heavy fragrances, scents and flashy accessories like dangling jewelry.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Learn everything you can about the interviewer and company. Research their background on LinkedIn, Google and even ChatGPT. Understand their mission, history and the interviewer's path, education, interests and role.

4. MAKE A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

Offer a firm handshake, look them in the eye, and politely ask where you should sit. Never assume. Sitting in the wrong chair can start things off awkwardly.

5. SIT WITH PRESENCE

Sit upright on the front half of your chair. Feet should be flat on the ground. Men should avoid crossing their legs. It's ok for women to cross their ankles or knees.

Don't walk in with coffee. If offered a beverage, stick to water - and do not eat anything.

Travel light. Leave big bags, laptop or clutter at home. Less baggage means fewer distractions. The less you need to carry, the more strength you project. Also, if necessary, take notes with a pen and small notepad that fits in your pocket or purse. Never pull your phone out!

6. READ THE ROOM

Look for personal touches -- books, awards, photos -- and use them to spark conversation or find common ground.

Use the room to prompt thoughtful questions to your interviewer. Find commonalities. Be genuinely curious: "How did you end up at this company?" People love telling their story.

7. MASTER YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

No shaking, fidgeting or bouncing. Move with purpose and calm confidence.

Mirror the interviewer's body language and subtly match their tone, tempo and gestures to build rapport.

8. PAUSE BEFORE YOU ANSWER

Don't rush to respond. Take a beat, then speak. Be authentic. Never lie.

9. KNOW YOUR VALUE

Be clear on your "why" -- your purpose, your goals and how you'll add value to the team and company.

Never badmouth former employers or colleagues.

Clean up your social media -- anything offensive, divisive or unprofessional should be removed.

10. FOLLOW UP FAST

Within 24 hours, send a thoughtful follow-up note. Thank them, reference a memorable moment or topic from the interview, and reiterate how you see yourself contributing to the company's success.