By Derek Gurr

We’ve all been there: the dreaded job interview. Sometimes getting a job as a school custodian feels like being interrogated by the FBI. The job questions can be brutal. I remember I was once in an interview where the man said, “Think back on your most recent group project. What would the other members say about you if you weren’t in the room?” Yikes! Nevertheless, with the proper preparation and a measure of tranquility, you can learn to turn even the toughest circumstances to your advantage.

Before the interview
Practice with a friend or family member beforehand. As the phrase goes, perfect practice makes perfect. Make sure that whoever it is that is giving you feedback will be brutally honest with you, giving you both the good and the bad.

Dress for success
A good rule of thumb is to find out how the employees dress at your workplace and then dress up a level. If your interviewer is dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, a tux might feel a bit awkward (for both of you). If employees wear jeans, go business casual. If most employees are business casual, put on a tie.

Locate the interview location beforehand
Don’t trust your ability to find the interview location on your own. It’s better to waste your » Read more: Interviews: Job Interview Tips You Can’t Miss