Do your research: Before the interview, learn as much information as you can about the company, school or position you are interviewing for.
Dress professionally: This may look different if you are applying to work at a summer camp compared to a fortune 500 company, so model your attire on your specific interview situation. Be thoughtful of your personal hygiene as well. Make sure you have fresh breath, clean clothes, no body odor and minimal cologne or perfume.
Be punctual and considerate of your interviewers' time. If you have never been to your interview location before, do a trial run with transportation (if possible) to make sure you can arrive on site and ready to interview a few minutes before your scheduled time.
Answer all questions fully, even if the inquired information can be found in your cover letter or resume.
Sell yourself: From the moment you walk into the building you should be as professional and pleasant as possible. Anyone you encounter may be asked their opinion of you as a potential candidate.
Actions speak louder than words: Be aware of what you are doing with your hands, posture and facial expressions. Make sure you are engaged in the interview verbally and nonverbally.
Save salary and benefits questions for later: The first interview is all about you and your interviewer checking your compatibility and fit for the applied position and its compatibility with your needs.
Be ready to ask your own questions of the interviewer: These questions show you are taking an active role in the interview and you have genuine interest in this company or school. Make sure the questions you ask cannot be answered by searching online (this would be a key indicator you did not do your research before the interview).
Thank your interviewer: It is best practice to write a thank you note to your interviewer for their time and the interview opportunity within 24 hours of the interview.