Interviews are often the hardest -- and most intimidating -- part of the job search process. While it's true that you've caught the employer's interest and are already considered a qualified candidate if you've been invited for an interview, you must now further demonstrate your value.

Sitting in front of a search committee often feels like you're being judged, but keep in mind that an interview is a two-way street. You are all trying to figure out if you're the missing puzzle piece for their team and institution (and if they're the missing piece in your career). It's less about judging each other -- it's more about ensuring a productive and harmonious working relationship and institutional success down the line. So, take a deep breath! You've got this.

If you're looking for a quick refresher as you prepare to shine in your upcoming interview, consider these 10 basic do's and don'ts:

1. Do your homework -- not just on the position and institution, but the members of the search committee. You want to appear knowledgeable about your future colleagues and be able to hold your own in the conversation. Consider researching the institution's strengths (How do they market themselves? What are they known for?); their community ties; and current projects or initiatives (What problems are they trying to solve? What outcomes are they trying to improve?). You can also try to 'earn secrets' to give yourself an edge over your competition.
2. Don't draw attention to a lack of experience in an area. If you're changing fields or are a new graduate, overtly stating a lack of experience can make you appear a poor fit. While you should be honest about your skills and experiences, try to focus on your transferrable skills, your ability to learn, and your interest in the position.
3. Do practice in front of a mirror or by recording yourself. This will help you spot any problematic facial expressions or body language. When playing back a video of your answers, you might also notice other bad habits, such as speaking too fast or other nervous tics like frequently using 'um' or 'uh.'
4. Don't let anxiety get the best of you. Consider mindfulness exercises or other strategies to calm yourself before the interview. Anxiety and fear can interfere with the rational thinking you need for top performance.
5. Do channel positivity in your answers. You may be coming from a negative work situation or trying to escape a bad boss, but negativity is a red flag for employers. Strive to answer honestly, while remaining polite and professional, and explain what you have learned from the situation.
6. Don't panic if you're struggling with an answer to one of the questions posed in the interview. Take a minute to think and compose yourself. Beryl Greenberg, a career and executive coach, calls this 'taking a pause.' In a HigherEdJobs Podcast, she explained, "You can say, 'I do not know the answer to this. This interview is doomed.' You can go down that negative confidence-draining path, or you could take the pause and activate that positive side of your brain. And in that instance, one of the best positive activating tools is curiosity -- turning that situation around into a question. Could you tell me a little bit more about that? What do you mean by that? Could you give me a minute to reflect on that so I can formulate my answer? That is giving you not only the pause, but a little time to refigure your thought process and come up with a more empowering answer." If you're still stumped, consider some of these other strategies.
7. Do have thoughtful questions prepared to ask the interviewer and take notes when they answer. This shows initiative and interest. Not having any questions may lead the committee to believe you're just looking for a paycheck. Questions that might impress an employer include: "How do you define success in this role?" and "What is your institution's top priority right now?" Both show a real interest in supporting the department's and institution's needs. For more ideas, check out Justin Zackal's "Three Questions to Surprise and Impress Job Interviewers."
8. Don't ramble. Telling stories is great if they're kept succinct and you tie them back into your value as a candidate, but don't get lost in your answers. Give detail, but keep them to the point. If the search committee's eyes have glazed over, it's time to wrap up your answer. Similarly, it can be tempting to fill every awkward silence or pause, but think twice before you do. Pauses give everyone a chance to regroup.
9. Do follow up with a thank you note (within 48 hours) to your main point of contact. In a recent microsurvey of employers who post jobs on HigherEdJobs, sending a thank you note was among the suggestions of how a candidate can stand out.
10. Don't be impatient. Higher education is known for taking quite some time to fill positions, so you may not hear back immediately. However, if it's been over a month since you interviewed, you should reach out for an update.

The interview can make or break your candidacy. Be prepared to impress.

For more in-depth specifics and interviewing advice, check out some other articles from HigherEdJobs:

• Ask the Expert: How to Answer "Why Should I Hire You?"
• Turning Your Bullet Points into Interview Stories
• The Best, Most Simple Way to Predict Job Interview Questions
• Three Questions to Surprise and Impress Job Interviewers

Republish this article for free. We want to make it easier for you to share knowledge and creativity, and encourage you to reuse our articles under a Creative Commons license.