Today’s job market is extremely competitive. Interviews are hard to come by, so when you land one, it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. The job interview is crunch time in the employment world. They’ve decided your cover letter and resume deserve further interest, and with the interview you're one step away from that great new job.

Here are some simple tips that will help you ace that interview.

1) Be Prepared: Make sure you know the company you’re interviewing with and what they do. Preparation is more than just knowing who you’re talking to and when you’re talking to them. It’s easy to look up the name of the company and what they do -- to get an edge you need to put in some extra effort. Be familiar with their products and terminology, Mr. Spacely won’t hire you if you don’t know what a Spacely Sprocket is.

2) Dress The Part: If you’re interviewing in an office, no matter how casual you think they might be, always wear a suit. There are plenty of places that sell affordable suits, so make an investment in something that looks nice and fits you well. Pair it with a matching shirt and tie combo and you’re instantly credible when you walk in the door. And don’t smoke a cigarette before going into the building. Is it worth losing the job because you smell like an ash tray?

3) Know the Answers Before They Ask: There are many questions that interviewers ask where they don’t care about the actual answer. They’re looking to see how you react and judging if you’re intelligent enough to know how to interview. Be prepared for all of these questions:

a) What is your greatest strength?

b) What is your greatest weakness?

c) Tell me about one challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it.

d) Why do you want to work in (insert industry here)

e) Why did you major in (Insert major here)

f) Why do you think you would be a good fit?

4) You Are NOT A Perfectionist, Nor Do You Work Too Hard: These types of stock answers to the greatest weakness question are atrocious, unoriginal and stupid. You need to be using an answer that’s original and actually a weakness, though not a crippling one (sure you’re completely unorganized, but you don’t want them knowing that.) My go to weakness in interviews has always been “I have difficulty delegating tasks to others, I don’t like to make other people do something if I know I can do it and do it right.” It makes you seem responsible and honest, though not the best way to go if you’re applying for managerial positions.

5) Be Polite: Firm handshakes are the order of interviews. It’s time to use every single thing your mother and Miss Manners have ever taught you. Use formal language, keep your elbows off the table and your fingers out of your nose. And here is an important one for all the men out there. You never know who is going to interview you and what they’ll be wearing, so maintain eye contact at ALL TIMES. Never glance downward even for a second. It’s a trap!

6) Know How to Close: It’s important to remember how to end an interview. While it might be easiest to just say thanks, bound out of your chair and run away. At the end of your interview you want to stand up, shake the persons hand, look them in the eyes and say “Thank you for the opportunity, I just want to let you know I would really like to work here, it’s a great company and this position is exactly what I’ve been looking for.” Remember, a job interview is just like a sales pitch; Always Be Closing.

It’s important to remember that a job interview is not a friendly meet and greet. You are selling yourself and hoping that the interviewer is willing to buy you. On the other hand, you have to keep in mind that they need someone to work for them just as badly as you need to find a job. As long as you follow my advice and are confident in your abilities, in no time at all you’ll be trading in the Ramen Noodles for Champagne and Caviar.