With unemployment and competition for available jobs as high as they’ve been for decades, many Americans are finding interview situations more stressful than ever. Luckily, there are ways to maximize your chances of making a good impression when meeting with a potential boss. Here are some tips, culled from around the web.

What to Say

• You understand what the company does. Before going on an interview, it’s important to prepare, so spend some time researching the company. You may want to explicitly state that you’re familiar with how the company works, but it’s also a good idea to prepare some questions about recent business activity to demonstrate your preparation.
• You’re flexible. In the digital age, things can change pretty fast. Letting your employer know you’ll be able to adapt to changes and take on new challenges as they arise is key for demonstrating your commitment to what you want to do.
• You have energy and a positive outlook. Rather than stating this explicitly, show your positivity during the interview by demonstrating enthusiasm about work-related topics, praising people you’ve worked with and discussing “challenges” you’ve overcome. Upbeat people can have a positive impact on a work environment.
• You’re experienced. Elaborate on items in your résumé to show off specific ways you’ve improved conditions in previous jobs, discuss work-related classes you’ve attended and mention some of your strongest skills.
• You work well with others. Very few jobs in the world require people to work in isolation, so indicating your ability to act as part of a “team” is a boon to your overall profile.
• You’re motivated. An employee who wants to succeed is more valuable than one who has to be pushed to do so. Indicate your drive and you’ll paint yourself in a positive light.

What to Avoid Saying

For a stellar interview, highlighting the above attributes may not be enough, so be sure to shy away from these blunders.

• Negative comments about previous bosses or colleagues: Badmouthing others reflects poorly on you. Frame any discontentment in a positive light by asserting that you’re ready for new and different challenges.
• Questions about your likelihood of fitting in: Instead, ask what your interviewer likes about the workplace. You’ll get the same information, but without being too direct.
• Questions about vacation: This suggests you’re less focused on the job than time off. Even if you are, you don’t want to give that impression in an interview.
• Your financial past: Most employers are not allowed to ask if you have filed bankruptcy, and a bankruptcy on your credit report usually cannot be factored in to an employer’s decision to hire you. If a potential employer asks if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy, simply inform them that you do not have to answer that question. The exception is jobs in the federal government or military. In that case, it’s probably best to be honest.

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