Interviewing for a job instills apprehension in some of the most collected of individuals. However, with these easy tips, you’ll find that this process can be gratifying and successful.

1. It’s not who you are, but what you wear.

When you first show up for your interview, remember that your clothes speak volumes about you. It’s critical to wear whatever makes you feel and look most confident. Comfy old jeans are a good choice. Rubber flip-flops make an excellent statement as well. “I’m real,” they say, “and I’m here to get the job done.”

If you’ve been looking for someplace to wear that big old “Journey”rock shirt from the back of your dresser, here’s your chance! Tattoos can be covered up, but why? Show off who you really are. Put your best foot forward. You only have one chance to make that all-important first impression.

2. Accentuate the positive.

During your interview, the human resources person or recruiter may ask you questions about your resume, such as: “why is there such a large gap between the jobs you held in the ’90s?” or “I see a lot of movement here. Did you really work in four cities over the course of one year?” These questions are only asked because the interviewer thinks you’re interesting and special. Be as honest as possible and go into great detail. Better that your prospective new company know about your past in the witness protection program than not! Show them your “stuff.”

3. Be polite.

It’s nice to say “please” and “thank you.” Be sure to include these simple words in each sentence you speak. Example: “Well, thank you, I’ve please been thank you interested in project management ever since, oh please, I was a thank you kid.” Manners, manners, manners!

4. Echo the interviewer’s movements.

People feel they can identify with other people who have similar mannerisms. It’s easy to affect this, simply mimic the gestures and motions of the person across the desk from you. If they tip their head to the right, tip your head to the right. If they lean in, lean in. If they pick their nose, pick your nose. Some interviewers have interesting tics and habits. A squinty blinking eye is very easy to copy, a staccato flaring nostril less so. Practice these more difficult moves in front of a mirror if need be.

5. Repeat what you have heard.

It’s reassuring when speaking with someone to have your ideas paraphrased. This way, you know that the person hears and understands you. So it would follow that during your interview, it is important to mimic what you’ve heard. If the interviewer asks you, “what college did you go to?” Reply, “what college did you go to?” You’ll find that you are relating very nicely, considering you’ve just met.

6. Follow up!

This last step can make the difference between getting a second interview or the job, and never hearing from the company again. Follow up immediately. Leave a voicemail for your contact person each day that you don’t hear anything. There is always a chance that your last message wasn’t received, or that you weren’t speaking loudly enough. Try, try again. E-mails are good as an additional measure. If you feel you’ve contacted your interviewer too much, it means you haven’t contacted him or her enough! Don’t give up. Sometimes it works to remind the person who interviewed you that you ARE the right person for this job and you won’t stop calling until they realize it too!

These simple tips can help you acquire the job of your dreams, or at least a restraining order or two against you. Remember: persistence pays.

Good luck!