1 Make a list of your target employers and try to network your way in. As your friends, family, LinkedIn connections, etc. if they know anyone who works for one of your choices.

2 Keep a record of the companies and positions where you have applied. This will save confusion if you are contacted by someone from HR or a recruiter who is working on a position you’ve already applied for.

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Job interviews are nerve-racking to say the least. In many cases, this is the first “personal” connection you’ll have with someone at the company.

Your resume got you in the door. Now it’s up to you to show them your best self.

Here are 15 tips to help you make the most of your next job interview. You’ll notice that half of them involve planning in advance.

Before the Interview

1. Plan more than enough time to get to in-person job interviews. Visit the location a day or two in advance to eliminate surprises.
2. Use a landline whenever possible during phone interviews. If you must use your cell test the connection before your scheduled interview.
3. If you are taking a phone interview at your office find a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Avoid the rest room, hallway, or stairs where someone from your office is likely to see you.
4. Research the company in advance. Read through their website, it may give you come insight into the company culture.
5. Review the company’s social media presence. What do they post? If there any interaction or just automatic posting?
6. Research the people you’ll be interviewing with in advance. Many organizations have information on staff members. Take the time to look them up on LinkedIn too.
7. Prepare answers to the most commonly asked interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake” and “What is your greatest weakness?”
8. Have a few questions ready for when the interviewer asks “Do you have any questions?” The advance research you’ve done will help with this.

During the Interview

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