The clothes are not enough and so is your educational background. When you are in an interview, it is very important that you show the right package. You need to look, sound, and be a professional.

Here are tips to start out:

1. Prepare ahead of time.

Unless you are applying for a very urgent position, the company will inform you of your interview a day or two before the actual schedule. That gives you some time to prepare.

Besides clothes, you need to determine the possible questions that are going to be asked and come up with honest but excellent answers. If possible, stage a role play where you will pretend that you are already on your interview. This way, you can feel more comfortable once you are in the actual setting.

2. Do not be late.

There is no reasonable excuse for being late in an interview. If it is truly difficult for you to be there because of an emergency, make sure that you can call and ask for an interview reschedule. Some companies would allow that, especially if they see potential in you. Otherwise, be there.

3. Maintain eye contact.

You want to let your interviewer know that you are honest and confident of your answers. It also shows them that you are highly interested in getting the job. However, do not stare.

4. Use your hands only when needed.

During an interview, you may become animated, using your hands to emphasize certain points. It is perfectly okay, but you should limit this as it can be very distracting.

5. Take time in answering tough questions.

If there are some questions that are quite hard for you to answer, do not immediately blurt out some words. You may say the wrong things instead.

6. Ask for clarifications.

Never pretend that you hear or understand things right. Just request the interviewer to repeat the question.

7. Ask questions.

Contrary to popular belief, an interview does not necessarily have to be a one-way street. Interviewers do prefer the interviewees to speak out and ask questions as long as they are relevant to the company and to the job. To make sure that you can keep the interview as conversational as possible, conduct a company research.

8. Sell yourself but not too much.

The interview is the best time to prove to the company that you have what it takes to get the job and be part of their organization. Always highlight your strengths and play down your weaknesses. However, you should prevent yourself from exaggerating your achievements, as lying always finds a way to backfire on you later.

9. Be very calm.

It is normal for you to feel tensed when you are getting an interview, but such nerves would usually prevent you from hearing and thinking properly. Before the interview, do some simple breathing exercises.