It might sound basic, but the first step in prepping for an interview is to review the position and learn as much as you can. Focus on:

•  the organization: what does it do? what’s its mission? what can you find out about the work culture (casual or formal? flexible or structured?)
•  the team you’ll work with: how many people? how will you/your position fit into the team?
•  the interviewer(s): how many people? who are they? can you find “about us” info?

And don’t forget the job itself! Re-read the description and any other info you can get your hands on.

Bonus: any information you can’t find can be turned into a question you have for them.

It’s important to go into interviews prepared—but avoid stressing over crazy questions you could be asked. Most interview questions are variations on a few themes:

•  why are you interested in this job?
•  will you be a good employee and coworker?
•  are you prepared to do this job (or learn it) and contribute to the team?

You’ll want to be able to address those directly, but you can prepare for variations by thinking of examples and stories from your own experience—work, school, activities—that show you’d be good fit for the position. Think of times you showed leadership or teamwork; big wins; challenges you’ve overcome; and anything relevant to the specific position you’re interviewing for.

Another “trick question” to be ready for is something like “what’s your biggest weakness?” Check out some answers here.

Practice describing these responses and examples in your head or out loud.

Better yet, do a mock interview. Recruit a friend to help, or your school’s career center may offer this as a service. 

Coming across as professional, confident, and friendly right from the beginning can make a huge positive impact on potential employers. Some pointers:

• choose clothing that’s 1 degree more formal than you’d be wearing for the job. Plan and try it on ahead of time—so you know it’s clean, fits well, etc.
• for video interviews, test drive your technology, background, and lighting
• bring with you (or have on hand if it’s a video interview): a copy of your resume/application, paper & pen for notes, contact info for references, and water

Once the interview starts, your job is to be fully engaged in the conversation.

Listen to what they’re asking and saying. Although it’s natural to be mentally preparing your response while they’re talking, try not to let that distract you from listening. It’s better to listen well and then say “let me think about my response for a moment” than to talk in ways that don’t respond to their ask.

One of the things to listen for is ways you can contribute to their organization or solve a problem that they have. Being responsive to those kinds of cues helps you stand out.

You can also ask for feedback as you go, like “did that answer your question?” if you’re not sure.

Put your best and most professional behavior on display during the interview. That includes especially:

•  do whatever it takes to avoid being late
•  turn off notifications on your phone—and on your computer, too, if it’s a video interview

And finally, when the interview’s over, make sure you send a gracicous thank-you email. Try to say something specific about the discussion, like “I appreciated having the opportunity to learn more about …” (something the person took extra time to explain.) Bonus points if it’s something that will help bring the interviewer’s attention to a particularly good moment in the interview!