I’ve done my share of interviews, whether formal or informal, group or individual, traditional and non-traditional, etc. And although most of my interviewing experience, and feedback from friends and family members also going through the interview process, is quite varied (and frankly interesting), there is one common thread I inevitably found present. It revolves around one’s mental state before the interview.

All throughout your career, you may have noticed preparing for an interview entails much more than figuring out what suit fits you better, or what shade of lipstick to wear. Being in the right mindset also plays a huge part in ensuring you come out of the process a winner, but you also enjoy it. And yes, there have been interviews I did enjoy, and ones that made me reconsider my aversion for dental appointments…

10 mental hacks to prepare for a successful interview

Here are 10 mental “Interview Superhero” hacks to get you all set in your head before you start answering questions about how much you love working:

1. Have a game plan!

Nothing like having a plan to feel mentally up to par. Make sure you are clear on how to convey your work history, strengths and weaknesses, as well as the reason(s) why you’re looking to leave your current place of employment, if any.

2. Have a back-up plan!

Interviews don’t always go as planned. Schedules change, people get snappy, and plans need backups! So even if you have your game plan on, always have a back-up plan (and keep your game face on)!

[Related: 12 Best Planners for Working Women.]

3. Check your equipment!

Any piece of equipment you will use before and during your interview will have to thoroughly be checked the day before or even earlier if possible! You know, things like if the car has gas, or your GPS is in working order, or if your interview includes a presentation, if you’re all set with the equipment…

4. Practice visualization!

I strongly believe in the power of visualization and manifestation of outcomes. You could have all the knowledge in the world, and a negative mindset may just cause you to miss opportunity after opportunity. Take a moment before your interview, or preferably at the start of your day, to visualize actually getting the job. If it helps, write it down and read it out loud!

5. Spend time around people who support you!

Build a support network around you. The more supportive the people you spend time with, the better mentally prepared you will be to tackle challenges such as a job interview.

6.Use positive self-talk!

What you say to yourself matters more than you think. Remember you will be talking about yourself quite a bit during the interview! Start practicing by positively thinking and talking about yourself, your skills and competencies. Once on the interviewee’s seat, your mind will remember…

7.Arrange for some quiet time before the interview!

Give yourself a few extra minutes ahead of time to have some quiet time to gather your thoughts, and calm your nerves!

8. Focus primarily on your strengths, and build your weaknesses’ narrative around them.

Both your strengths and weaknesses will be put to the test; however, you may want to focus on your strengths first. What is it that you do particularly well? Build on those to pinpoint things you could improve on.

[Related: 30 Best Personality Assessments to Help You Find the Career You Want!]

9. Maintain consistency in your schedule.

The day you have a major interview scheduled is not the day to make drastic changes in your schedule. Try, as much as possible, to maintain consistency in your schedule around this period!

10. Rest and relax before!

Last but not least, get a good night sleep, hit the gym the day before (or take a light walk around the block), and show up with your A-game on!

Any other mental hacks you’d like to offer?

The Corporate Sis.