I have an important job interview coming up, and I'm incredibly nervous. I tend to freeze up under pressure, and I'm worried I won't be able to articulate my skills effectively.

Be prepared to negotiate salary by demonstrating the unique value you bring that can offset the company's budget limitations.

Understand the demands and potential rewards of working in a startup environment, including equity or future growth.

Identify the most critical skills and experience and highlight those in your application and during interviews.

During the application or interview process, politely ask for clarification on the core responsibilities and priorities of the role.

Evaluate if the company has a track record of investing in employee development and promoting from within.

During the interview process, ask about career progression, training, and salary reviews tied to skill development.

Talk to people in similar roles or companies to gauge their perception of the job requirements and salary.

Thoroughly research salary ranges for each individual skill set and for combined roles to understand the market value.

Develop a clear and positive story about your time away and your eagerness to return to work.

Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or career coaches to build confidence and refine your answers.