I’m a firm believer that interviewing is a lot like dating. Let’s face it. Your day of interviews consists of meeting new people who are going to spend 30-45 minutes each with you asking questions to get to know you better. Almost sounds like back-to-back blind dates or even worse, speed dating. Guess what? It is.

You have a short period of time to meet these people and build a relationship with them. You need to engage them and answer their questions while putting your best foot forward. Sounds daunting and overwhelming, but not to fear. I’ll let you in on the secret to success. Be yourself. Sounds cliché, but it’s the best advice.

Just like a first date, there needs to be chemistry between you and the company to make it work. If you try too hard, it will show and you will come across as overbearing or disingenuous. If you sit back and wait for them to recruit you, you appear to be too good for the position or worse yet will give the impression that you’re a prima donna. Be honest, upfront and real. It’s the best way to tell if you will really enjoy the job and like working with these people.

So don’t try too hard or wait to be impressed. Talk with each interviewer and get to know them as a person. Why do they like their job? Do they refer friends to work here? What’s the most frustrating part of their day? Show that you are interested and strike up a meaningful conversation. It will not only make the interview more fun and you more memorable, but you may learn a few things along the way that confirm this is or isn’t the right place for you.