Imagine this: you are in the interview of a lifetime to your dream college. The interviewer just asked you a question and your mind goes blank.

You have no idea how to answer the question, so you panic and start to ramble, or, worse, you just sit there with nothing to say. And what should have been an opportunity to increase your chances of getting in, actually ended up doing the opposite.

Whether you are interviewing for a prestigious university, or for a job opportunity, it is important to be prepared.

While some interviewers may spice things up a bit, most interviews will have the same questions and the same expectations from the interviewer.

Dress for success

In the first few seconds of meeting a person, preconceptions begin to form.

If a person is dressed professionally and stylishly, then that is what people will think they are like. However, if they are in sweatpants and have messy hair, well, let me just say that first impressions are lasting.

In every interview it is always expected of the interviewee to dress nicely.

Girls, this means that you should be wearing a nice dress, no shorter than six inches above the knee, nice flats or short high heels, and a blazer or cardigan. If not a dress, dress pants would also be suitable. However, in either case, be sure to wear neutral colors such as: white, black, tan, or light, creamy colors.

Boys should wear nice dress pants, black dress shoes, a dress shirt, and a nice tie. Depending on the type of interview, a suit jacket might also be necessary. If you are just interviewing for a high school job at a fast food restaurant, there is no need for the jacket, but if you are interviewing with Harvard or Yale, it is necessary.

Be prepared

It is always a good idea to be prepared in any situation.

For an interview, the best way to prepare is to look up common interview questions and think over your answers to them. This way, you will not be caught off guard by a question and start to ramble or just have nothing to say.

Some common interview questions are: “Describe yourself,” “Why do you want to work here (or go here)?” “What relevant experience do you have?” “Do you work well under pressure?” “Are you good at working with others?” “Tell me about a time you have been late to something,” and they will also most likely ask you a situational question, like how to deal with a complaining customer.

Also, at the end of the interview, the person interviewing you will probably ask you if you have any final questions. Ask one.

Depending on what the interview is for, you could ask things like, “What do you look for in a potential employee?” or “What will the working conditions be like?”

By being prepared, you will sound like you are prepared and intelligent. And when you know the questions and their answers, it will make you less nervous and you will sail through the interview with flying colors.

Avoid saying “um,” “like”

Whatever you do, avoid saying the words “um,” and “like.” I know it may sound silly, but these words can give the wrong impression. They may make you sound less intelligent, or as if you do not have a good answer and you are stalling for time.

Interviewers want answers that are real, and if you are stalling it makes it appear that you are making something up or exaggerating.

If you do not know how to answer a question, pause for a second and collect yourself; it is OK if you do not immediately answer.

It might actually make you look even better — it will come off to them that you like to think about what you are going to say before just blurting it out.

Stay calm

I know that interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience, but just remember the person who is interviewing you has been in your shoes.

They know what it is like and they are not trying to make you fail, they are just trying to learn more about you and the way you think.

They do not want you to fail, they just want to find the best person for the job, and you are just showing them that you are that person.

Be confident

Confidence is the key to success. If you are not confident in yourself, then how could another person have confidence in you?

Show that you believe that you could succeed at the company (or college). However, do not be arrogant.

It is a fine line between arrogance and confidence, but the difference is to not brag. If they ask you about your accomplishments, answer fully and show that you are proud. But do not exaggerate; try to appear humble about it.

This will have two effects: they will think that it is not all about the glory of success for you, but actually achieving something, and if you can be so humble about your greatest accomplishments, then you must believe that you are able to do so much more, and that will make you interesting to them.

Summer is coming up, and, for many, this is the perfect time to get a job and start saving for the future. So be sure to follow these tips and get the job.

Happy job hunting and interviewing!