As the pool of 68 college basketball teams prepare for March Madness and the NCAA Tournament, take a few tips from the athletes to help prepare to be one of the “final four” candidates during your job search:

• Selection Sunday: You can’t make it to the championship if you aren’t asked to play. Secure your spot in the tournament by optimizing your resume for an applicant tracking system (ATS). Hundreds of candidates will be eliminated before the action even starts. These sophisticated systems will parse your information to determine your track record, strength of competencies, and resume and performance impressiveness (RPI). Getting through the system is key for your entrance into the Big Dance.

• Fast Break: Outsmart your opponents by preparing a targeted game plan for interview day. A 30-second elevator pitch, company and industry research, and achievement stories: each of these are key plays to help you make a fast break for the basket while leaving your rivals in the back-court wondering where the job went.

• Steal: With an assist from your dedicated career coach, steal the interviewers’ attention by taking advantage of interview training and technique guides to polish your skills, enhance your communication style and ensure you’re ready for full-court press. Diligently practice your answers to potential interview questions to avoid a five-second violation or double dribble during the interview.

• Buzzer Beater: Even if you feel you’re falling behind, there’s still time to make the buzzer-beating shot. Focus on promoting your value to key decision-makers, and remember to follow up after the interview to remind the hiring manager of your unique strengths and abilities. The game isn’t over until it’s over, so play your heart out until the last second.