If you are nervous about your first job interview, you are not alone. Nervousness is a natural reaction to a new situation involving something that is important to you. If you are able to take control of the situation, you will feel more at ease and you will increase your chances of success. Follow these tips and you will feel better and perform better!

Prepare

Research the company. Being well-informed shows that you are diligent. With basic knowledge of the company, you can make a case demonstrating how your skills and knowledge match the company’s needs. Additionally, as you research you can prepare questions to ask the interviewer. For more information on how to research a company, click here.

Appearance

You have heard, “dress for the job you want” or “dress for the job one level above the job for which you are applying.” What if your entry -level job only requires casual dress? No matter the daily dress for employees in the position, for the interview you should dress in conservative business attire. This means a suit for males and a business-styled dress or suit for females.

Manners

It goes without saying that you should arrive a few minutes early. Come to the interview well-groomed. Be polite to anyone you encounter. Make good eye contact and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Don’t talk excessively. Avoid any negative or sarcastic statements. Do not ask for drinks or snacks. Accepting water is alright.

Questions

Be prepared to cover your college experience and accomplishments in the interview. A good interviewer will go beyond a cursory review of your history. Many times you will be given workplace scenarios and ask how you would handle situations or solve problems. Think carefully about these questions before you answer. Use examples from your experiences to relate to how you would handle workplace situations. It is important to remain calm and attentive during the interview. Some interviewers may ask questions to see how you will react under stress.