With so much on the line, job seekers must arrive with their best foot forward when it’s time to meet the prospective employer. Still, job seekers often neglect to follow the essential interview rules, resulting in wasted opportunities.

You may find it hard to deal with job interviews, but there are simple things you can do to avoid disaster. Mastering the process requires preparation, effort and common sense. So, consider the following ideas before your next interview.

Plan. Give some serious thought to where your career is headed. It’s not enough just to say that you’re looking to make money. An employer will know if you don’t have a career plan. Besides, the last thing you need is to get the job, only to discover that it’s not the career you’re looking for.

Research. Do some research on the company and the scope of the job to help you decide if you can handle the responsibilities that go with it. Many employers will ask you what you know about their company and the position you’re applying for. To avoid having butterflies in your stomach, get to know the company, including its vision, mission, and values. Doing this helps you to provide more convincing answers.

Prepare. The most common mistake in job interviews is to overlook preparation. Being bright and having job experience is not enough to impress your employer. Take time to practice conveying your responses in a concise and engaging manner. Not preparing will greatly increase the chances that you’ll blow the interview. Do not take this lightly, especially if your future is on the line.

Dress smart. Always treat every job interview as if you’re going to an important meeting. Dressing informally is generally considered an insult to an employer. Men should wear a suit jacket and tie, and women can wear a formal blazer or pantsuit. Don’t mind it if the employer is wearing a casual shirt and comments about what you’re wearing. Dressing up for an interview will give them the idea that your action was a gesture of respect. Try it—you’ll be surprised how much it helps in an interview.

Be punctual. Never show up late for an interview. Being late will only start the interview off on the wrong foot. Who would want to hire someone who’s “fashionably late” on the first day? Put yourself in the employer’s shoes and imagine if you would want to hire people who aren’t showing up on time. Even if you’re confident that you are qualified, being late can ruin your chances.

These are just some of the tips to help you avoid failure in your next job interview. Work on these points and your success rate should increase in short order. So keep at it, and don’t give up until they say yes.