No matter what kind of job you’re applying for, chances are you’ll have an interview. And this valuable get-to-know-you with your potential employer is something you can’t afford to screw up. To help guide you down the path to blissful employment, we’ve compiled a list of 10 job interview DON’Ts. We’re not ones to sugar-coat the truth, so this is the nitty-gritty. Read it and ready yourself for the workforce.

1. Don’t be late.

Duh! This should be a no-brainer. There are a handful of unavoidable life situations that are acceptable excuses for being late to an interview, like getting a flat tire or having a medical emergency. But needing extra time to primp is not one of them. Neither is oversleeping. Nobody wants to hire someone who needs his mommy to wake him up for work.

2. Don’t go dirty.

Here’s another no-brainer: Make sure you smell pleasant and look presentable. Take plenty of time to shower, dress in wrinkle-free clothes, trim or file your nails, brush your teeth and put on makeup (if you wear it). Go easy on the cologne or perfume. If you smoke, stop it NOW! Besides being a huge health risk, smoking can also wreak havoc on your breath (and discolor your teeth). Few things are more distracting than conversing with someone who has wretched breath. Consider taking breath spray with you to quickly freshen up pre-interview.

3. Don’t get creative with your clothing.

Stick with the time-tested fashion advice, “less is more.” You may be applying for a job with a creative, forward-thinking company, but chances are they’re still a bit old-school when it comes to interview attire. Sparkly handbags, bright nail polish and TOMS shoes may be cool, but they’re all inappropriate for an interview and will likely make you memorable for the wrong reasons. Also, keep the cleavage covered, as well as the tattoos and body piercings, as all of these things are just distracting and may send the wrong message. Opt for simple suits and dresses in neutral colors paired with minimal accessories.

4. Don’t fidget.

Bite your nails? Flip your hair? Divert your eyes? Tap your foot? Not in a job interview, you don’t. No matter how nervous you are, it’s important to display confident body language. Offer your interviewer a firm handshake, make eye contact, hold your head up, sit straight and keep your hands neatly folded in your lap. Don’t cross your arms; it symbolizes a lack of communication. And ladies, don’t cross your legs at the knees, but at the ankles.

5. Don’t come unprepared.

Potential employers want to know why you’re interested in a job with their company, and you better have an answer. Do some research before the interview, and learn some history about the company, what they do and why they’re successful. Be prepared to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses and have examples of each. Keep in mind that you’re deciding if this company is a good fit for you, too. Think about what you want out of a job, and make a list of questions you’d like to ask.

6. Don’t talk too much.

There’s a fine line to walk when it comes to pulling off an impressive interview conversation. You must answer thoroughly, but not carry on for half an hour about your last summer job. Being enthusiastic and well-spoken is great, but knowing when to shut up and listen is even better. Mind your manners, and don’t interrupt the interviewer. Also, don’t oversell your abilities. Newsflash: Owning a camera does not make you a photographer, and keeping a diary does not make you a journalist. Be honest and open, but not over-the-top.

7. Don’t clam up.

While rambling and interrupting are interview faux pas, so are the opposites: answering too quickly and with little elaboration. No matter how polished you look and how sweetly you speak, if you come across as shy and insecure, you might not get the job. Employers want to know the person they hire has the people skills and the confidence to get the job done well. Be proud of your accomplishments and experience, and play those cards well. Take a moment to think about each of your answers, and answer fully and with assurance.

8. Don’t be shady.

This is not a day at the beach; this is a job interview. You want to give the impression that you are a responsible professional, and nothing says slacker like a pair of sunglasses perched atop your head. It doesn’t matter if they are the latest, greatest style.

9. Don’t chew gum.

Or smack it, or pop it. And certainly don’t blow bubbles with it. You may love Dubble Bubble, Bazooka and Bubblicious, and that’s just fine as long as you chew it at home. No matter how you slice it, chewing gum at an interview is just asking for a sticky mess. Same goes for breath mints; it’s hard to resist the urge to chew or crunch them, especially when you’re nervous. The best bet is to save the candy or gum for later.

10. Don’t bash your boss.

You know the old saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”? Well, if you have negative feelings about a current or former boss, repeat this saying to yourself over and over. Badmouthing your boss to a potential employer can make you look childish and petty. It can also make you look like you’re playing the blame game and can’t own up to your mistakes or shortcomings. Trust us, and hold your tongue.

10 Interview Questions You’ll Be Asked

1. Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?
2. Why are you interested in this position?
3. What are your job-related strengths? Weaknesses?
4. What motivates you to work hard?
5. Do you work better alone or with a team?
6. If you doubted a co-worker or your boss, how would you handle it?
7. What can you do for this company?
8. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
9. Describe how you handled a challenging situation in the past.
10. Do you have any questions about the company?

Score Some Bonus Points
Make sure to send your interviewer a thank you note (email is OK, but snail mail is better) after the interview expressing appreciation for his or her time. It’s just a tiny gesture that could go a long way.