How do I survive the Job interview?

[Eä]

Alright, I've been sending out applications for a student job lately and now it happened... Some of them called me today to schedule a job interview. And I'm freaked out. Sending out applications seems a nice pastime.. it has almost become like a hobby... I get to say nice things about myself without having anyone arguing with me! *cough*

But what do I do now? What if I have no clue how to answer their questions? I'm sure all they want is to eat me alive. I have never been to a serious job interview before.. one where I actually have to 'compete' with other serious candidates for the job.
My brain is perfectly capable of understanding the game, it keeps telling me unbelievable stuff like they just want to see me and have a casual talk, they are already interested, that's why they called to make the appointment... blah blah blah. My schizophrenic, paranoid self wants to believe they are aliens from a galaxy far, far away who will aduct me and perform painful experiments on me. I need someone to tell me that a job interview is just a casual conversation or something like that.

I'm a communication student, think corporate communication, like Human Resource and external comm. like branding. I have applied for a job in a small bank. They have an ecological profile and take their responsibility for sustainable development seriously.
I know nothing about bank stuff.. and gave no implications of that in my application, however, I believe I know my communication stuff and that's hopefully what I need for the job.
But what kinds of questions can I expect, what are good things to reply to the open questions if they come up. And any ideas to what I can conclude with if they let me have the last word? I mean something better than "No I think you already answered all my questions."

Help me, what do I do in order not to make a fool of myself!!!

[ladytera]

The very first key, dress well. If you have a suit or something similar, wear it, conservative dress or a nice shirt and a pair of slack will work too. Do you have piercings anywhere visible but your ears? If so, take them out for the day. Wear light, neutral makeup. I know this sounds like an old lady, but as a person who has attended interviews on both sides, your first impression happens before you ever open your mouth, and if the person on the other side of the table is seeing a punk kid in ripped up jeans, a T-shirt, a too much make-up, chances are nothing brilliant coming from your lips will get to their brains, let alone get you the job.

Second, relax. While a job interview is not just a casual conversation, it's also not the end of the world. Remember you are on equal terms. You may be seeking a job, but they have a position they want filled, so you've got something they want too, or you wouldn't be there. Also, I guarantee you, it's probably not the only job on the planet. If you keep that in mind, and understand that if you don't get the job, it's no big deal, and this interview is just giving you practice for the interview you really want, it tends to help with the jitters that everyone experiences. One other point that might help you: whoever is conducting the interview, at one point or another, went through exactly the same process, and they managed to get hired.

Last thing, as to questions. You will probably be asked why you want to work there, what you have to offer them, how long you intend to stay with the company (it may not be a direct question, but it will be asked). They'll ask you how much you want to make, or tell you what the pay scale is. And they'll probably tell you a little about the job. There are any number of other questions that the specific company might ask you that pertain directly to the job you're trying to get. If your background is something different than the main thrust of the business, you have to remember that something in your resume or application jumped out from the others, and caused them to ask you to come in. So, first key to a great interview, be honest and be yourself. Answer their questions to the best of your ability with honesty. Except the on about how long you plan to stay. If you're not sure, you can indicate you are looking for a permanent position to grow your experience and understanding, and that the company appears to provide a stable opportunity to do so. They are looking for an answer that indicates you're going to be there for a while, otherwise you're wasting both your time and theirs. You do want to be honest, but you probably don't want to tell them that the option to quit if you don't like it or something better comes along is in the back of your head. Since you know what company you are interviewing with, if you really want the job, take a little while to look up as much information on the company, its employees, its founders and its history as you can. Talk about the things you know, and end with why you will be an asset to the company. But, don't overthink ahead of time, you'll just make yourself nuts. If your answers show that you cared enough about the interview to come prepared your chances of getting the job increase drastically. The interviewer is looking for someone who is willing to work, willing to learn, enthusiastic, stable and a self-motivated person who can still work as part of a team. If you can project those things in your meeting, your experience and background won't matter nearly as much.

Last of all - Plan something fun and relaxing to do afterward, and keep a sense of perspective and humor. Give yourself something to look forward to. It sounds silly, but knowing that no matter how well or poorly the interview goes you have someone to hang out with or something to do that you enjoy will help you stay relaxed and focused during the interview. It gives you something to think about in the time while you're waiting, so your mind doesn't do the squirrel on crack imitation that it's bound to try. This job is not the beginning and end of your world, the sun will rise tomorrow either way, so don't let it become the monster under the bed waiting to get you. It'll only make you have anxiety attacks and act silly. Remind yourself, that in your own universe, you are GOD, and you're an ant in the one you operate in. Although it sounds like a contradiction, you're going for humble arrogance if you can't quite get to regular old self-confidence. As to a sense of humor, life is just a comedy of errors when it comes right down to it. Don't take the interview or yourself too seriously. If you screw up, and it costs you the job, or you make a fool of yourself, what's the very worst that can happen? They won't point and laugh, you won't get strung up and tickled with feathers, or boiled in hot chocolate until you cook. The worst that can happen is they say no, and you'll never see them again, so it won't matter if you said something silly.

Okay, so in all of that, I hope you got the one over riding message: RELAX. The surest way to blow an interview is to get your panties in such a twist over it that you walk in tongue tied and ready to faint. Just be yourself, and know that it'll all work out for the best.

(To give you some personal background so you can judge if I'm an idiot or might know what I'm talking about. I've gotten every job I've interviewed for, and I've only once ever interviewed for a job where I actually had some experience in the area I was applying for. I have only a high school diploma as far as official training goes, so it's not my experience or training that does the job, it's the interview)

Ea, best of luck! If you can shake the nerves, it'll be fun.

[Eä]

Thanks for your advice, ladytera.
I had heard most of the stuff before, but it was really good to have someone remind me of it again. The power of repetition. I guess. In many ways this job fits me and my other schedule perfectly and the more I think of it, the more I want it, so I'm already motivating myself!
Like with oral exams I have a problem feeling comfortable and relaxed in these situations. I know the adrenaline is supposed to help me and it just shows how much I want it. I really liked your advice about doing somehing fun afterwards. I love having something to look forward to but I never thought of 'rewarding' myself like that. It's a great idea!
Another tip I can use is trying to see it from their side, the company, the people doing the interview. They need something and they want me to tell them what I can add to this position if they hire me. And you're right it's a two-way contract, I do come with something to offer too, and they will be interested in learning about it. I mean what kind of student worker would I be looking for if I were to hire someone!!

I just wish I had tried it before.. to be honest, I sent out some applications to companies that weren't my 1st or 2nd priority in the hope that they would ask me to an interview so I could get the interview experience. The problem is just that I sent them all within just a couple of days, so this place was the first to get back to me. So it would be a little easier if I could picture it, just the basics; how many people are there going to be, what will they ask and such. Even if it would be completely different from my - if I had had - other interviews, I would still feel more comfortable because I had done it before. You know the demystifying effect... like the first time you go on a plane or something. When you've done it once it's a lot easier the second time.

Well, I'm beginning to look forward to it and I'll be sure to make it a good experience regardless of the outcome - alright, perhaps not all true, but you know! :-)
Thanks again!

[ladytera]

You are most welcome. I hate to tell you though, the jitters never go away completely. They just get easier to ignore as you get older. I'm sure you'll do fine, and if not, eat lots of chocolate and ice cream afterwards, it'll make you feel better. Heck, if it goes stellar, eat lots of chocolate and ice cream afterwards, it'll make you feel better. It's all about remembering that your life and destiny never hinge on one moment. If you can get past that feeling, the rest is a piece of cake. MMM... cake. Darn, I'm having sweets cravings.

Best of luck, and as you seem intelligent, enthusiastic, and relatively articulate, I'm sure you'll do just fine.

[sakaido]

I'm glad someone posted about this.
I've tried looking up on websites how to act during an interview and this was way more helpful.

I bombed my first interview sooooo bad. It was for Fred Meyers.
at least they sent me a thing in the mail rejecting me. =/

My second one was much better. I was a lot more calm. I got the job.
But our Wal-Mart has really low standards and was really in a bind needing employees.
But like LT said. They get easier and easier. They're all learning experiences.

Best of luck to you, or if you already went. I hope you did splendid.

[keyodie]

OMG I miss Fred Meyer's. x( They only have Kroger here.

[ladytera]

Nuh-uh. They have Publix, Ingall's, and when you get really far north in GA they even have the ubiquitous (I love that word) Piggly Wiggly.

[keyodie]

Haha yeah I know. xD I meant they have Kroger instead of Fred Meyer's.