In today’s job market, a resume is only one part of your competition. You need to stand out from the rest of the pack if you want to land your dream job. Even more so, if you want to score an interview call. With so many online resources about how to prepare for job interviews and what questions to expect at them, it’s not surprising that most job seekers are familiar with the process by now. However, even if you’re a seasoned pro who’s practiced every answer in your books, there’ll still come a time when you get caught off-guard and can’t think of anything helpful to say during the test. Don’t panic! That’s okay—you can improve in no time with some new skills and strategies. Here are six ways that you can upgrade your marketing skills for job interviews…

Be aware of your surroundings

While you’re preparing for job interviews, the most important thing to do is to stay aware of your surroundings. When you’re nervous, you’re more likely to make mistakes because you’re distracted. Demanding attention is the last thing you need to do when you’re trying to impress the hiring manager and your interviewers. So take a few deep breaths and focus on what’s around you—your conference room, your desk, and the people sitting around you so that you don’t forget where you are. When you’re practicing, take a few notes on how you can stay focused. Try not to write down every word that comes out of your mouth, but what you’re trying to say and how you’re trying to say it.

Be systematic

When it comes to job interviews, preparation is key. This is especially true if you’re going to be re-interviewing for the same position more than once. The best way to make sure you’re ready is to practice every step of the process: researching, writing a cover story, writing your cover letter, and preparing your interview attire. This can be a little time-consuming in the beginning, but it’s essential. Try to break down the parts of an interview into smaller chunks and schedule time into your day to research and prepare. You’ll be thankful that you did when it comes time to ace that dreaded re-interview.

Research is key

To get a leg up on the competition, you need to do your research. This can be as simple as Googling the company you’re applying to to get a better feel for their culture and how they’re viewed in the industry. You can also try looking at job boards and forums to get a sense of what people think about the company and your profession. If you want to learn more about a certain question that’s going to be posed during an interview, you can’t just rely on your memory. Find sources that can help you compare and contrast different perspectives.

Learn to speak persuasively

When you’re preparing for job interviews, don’t just focus on the task at hand: marketing yourself as well. This kind of effort is a two-way street—you need to be able to sell yourself in an interview, just as you need to sell yourself to employers. Begin by learning to speak persuasively. You can start by reading and listening to other people’s cover letters and interviews. Pick out areas where you can improve, and then focus on those.

Networking is essential

To make your job search more successful, it’s crucial to get out there and meet people. This can be a daunting task for those who are introverted and feel awkward meeting new people, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start by locating meetups and social groups that are centered around your industry.

Show your personality too

It’s important to remember that although you’re selling your skills and experience in an interview, you’re also selling yourself as a person. This means conveying your personality and tone throughout the interview—even when you’re talking about your job. This can seem like a tricky balancing act, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be someone you’re not.