If you’ve ever started a relationship on a lie, how did that work for you?

We all want to be our better selves during a job interview, even if it’s not the most realistic glimpse of who we are. (You do want the job, don’t you?) But for a successful long-term commitment to a company and coworkers, honesty is the best policy. See, during an interview, your interviewers are gauging your skills, but more important, they are gauging your personality: Will they enjoy working with you? Are you excited about the opportunity? Will you do well in this work environment? Dishonesty creates a mismatch from the get-go, so here’s how you can keep your job-interview personality real.

Show your excitement

If you are genuinely excited about an opportunity, smile and let your enthusiasm flow. Share the specifics: Have you wanted to work for this company since you graduated college? Do you love the company’s commitment to supporting nonprofits? Have you used their products every day for a decade? Would your bedazzled hoodie fit in perfectly on ultra-casual Fridays? Trust us, not every candidate will be truly enthusiastic about this position, so if you are, that’s a huge plus.

Remember you’re probably nervous

If, due to nerves, you are not presenting your full, authentic self during an interview—maybe you are extra hyper or stumble over your words—don’t worry about it too much. Seasoned interviewers can spot nerves and account for them in their assessments. They may even be nervous, themselves! Do your best to let your personality shine through (are you generally happy? funny? focused?) without letting nerves take over. Try some exercises to help be present and calm your nerves.

Objectively assess your successes and failures

Any interviewer worth their salt will ask about your successes and failures. When you talk about your successes, it’s OK to toot your own horn, but do try to keep some measure of modesty. (It’s tough to sell your single-handed overhaul of that Fortune 500 company’s business plan—and even if you did do it, surely other team members played a key role worth acknowledging.) Be sure to talk about your project’s success and what steps led to that success. On the flip side, it’s equally important to talk about and honestly analyze your failures. How did you respond when something didn’t go as planned? Do you know what went wrong? What did you learn and how did you change your tactics as a result? Hint: The key to discussing a failure is to identify how you have improved since!

Rehearse but don’t regurgitate

Do prepare your answers in advance—research the company and think of responses—and do practice some, but not so much that you come across as an automaton. Bulleted notes are OK, but leave room for spontaneity, a change of course, or a lighthearted joke. Pause to think a moment before you answer.

In conclusion

A relationship built on lies is no relationship at all. Stay real during your job interviews to find your right professional match!