That First Job Interview - Before You Go

 This is a piece of advice that will carry you through your entire working life.  As much as we all just want to be able to carry through life without a job, the odds are stacked against you. So you might as well just suck it up, and acknowledge the fact that 90% of us have to actually work for a living. 

Interviews can be absolutely nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first time entering the workforce. It's okay to be nervous.

It's not okay to let your anxiety get the best of you. 

Know the place you've applied to.

Yeah, this gets a bit hard, especially if you've been sending out mass applications and resumes. No worries! They've obviously contacted you for an interview, so you're already one step ahead. 

If you're sitting here wondering which place called or emailed - check your phone's call history, and see if the name of the company comes up on the call log. You can reverse look-up the phone number if you have to, or, worst-case scenario, call them back and ask for more details. Your call will probably be answered by a secretary or an automated directory. Both of these will give you the details you seek. 

An email should be much easier, as most places have an email signature included that say something like :
"Doug Stewart
VP of Directions
GenEric Company, Ltd."

Now you've got the information you're missing, and you can Google the company to give yourself some knowledge of what you'll be dealing with. 

Dressing for the Interview

Always dress one level of dress code above what the role will call for. If it's a casual-wear (jeans, t-shirts, etc.) type of workplace, then you should show up for the interview in business casual (slacks/pants, with a polo-style or button-down shirt).

If it's a business-casual type of employment, then go up another level: dress pants and blouse, or button-down, collared shirt with long sleeves.

If it's a full business-attire office, add a tie and suit jacket. Good dress shoes as well. A good business suit is a worthwhile investment if these are the types of roles you are looking for. 

Prepare a list of possible questions you might be asked

The one that always makes me cringe is: "Why do you want to work here?"  
"Because I like to eat," is not an acceptable answer, no matter how true it may be. Companies want to be patted on the back and want you to pretend that this job is literally your dream. It's not. Everybody knows it's not. So, since you can't tell the truth, and you know you've got to wax enthusiastic for this job, here are some great answers:

"I've heard about your great reputation, and everyone I know that has worked in this location seemed to actually like it."

"You're offering some of the things that I'm looking for in a job." Try to be specific, whether it's a benefits package or skills you'll be picking up on the job, or strengthening the skills you already have in that direction (customer service, time management, organization, working on a team.)

Basically, they want you to pat them on the head and tell them what a wonderful little company they are, even though you and I both know that it's probably going to be a soul-crushing job.

Prepare some questions of your own

Here's a couple that will let the interviewer toot their own horn:

• "What kind of workplace culture can I expect here?"
• "Are you offering any kind of benefits packages? Are there other perks to working here?"

Take a Deep Breath.

Remember, they've already read your resume and liked it enough to call you in for this interview. So take a deep breath, tell yourself you're not at all worried about it, and try to keep a calm demeanor. You're going to be nervous, but you don't have to act like it. This part is literally Fake it 'til you Make it. 

Look them in the eye, and give a firm handshake.

Don't crush their hands, but don't give a half-assed handshake, either. First impressions are insanely important.