If you haven’t interviewed for a job in a long time, then even the most basic of interview questions can potentially throw you for a loop. If you’re currently going through the interview process, then a little bit of prep can mean the difference between you coming off like a polished candidate or just a hot mess.

While it's true you can never be completely sure about how well you'll adjust to working with a new boss, company or team until you've actually started working, asking probing and strategic questions during the interview process is one of the easiest ways to gather useful intel about potential opportunities.

You've heard it a zillion times: "Remember, you're interviewing them just as much as they're interviewing you. Ask your own (good) questions to get a feel for if you truly want to work there."

Every part of the interview process can feel tenuous. Here are a few thoughts I've had during interviews which I'm willing to bet have crossed your mind at some point, too: If I wear the wrong outfit to the first interview, I'll get made fun of relentlessly. If I say something stupid during my final interview, the jig will be up -- and nobody will ever hire me. And if my references don't come through with glowing reviews, all the hard work I've done to get to this stage will be wasted.

You know you're nearing the final stretch of an interview process (and that it's looking good for you) when a potential employer asks for references. If you're not prepared, though, you might be left scrambling at the last minute to find a good reference. Who do you ask and what's the best way to reach out?

Asking about tough topics like workplace equality can be tough during a job interview. You want to do everything you can to make the interview go well, but you also need to know if a company's culture is right for you. FairyGodboss can help you scope out potential employers through the reviews left by other women who work or have worked at the companies you're considering.

We’ve provided a swathe of interview advice for job seekers in the past, but the people doing the hiring need to brush up on their interview skills as well. Professional recruitment firm Hays has a few pearls of wisdom to share with interviewers.

If you have any control over the date or time of your job interview, you might want to consider Tuesday morning. Glassdoor suggests that this is an ideal time because your interviewer will be productive and alert.