How can I prepare for a good interview?

First job interview?! I want to be as prepared as possible? help?!?

• Okay so I am going to a hot topic interview and I just want to do everything right which makes me feel like I'm going to somehow mess everything up. I think I will be fine with questions they ask about me. Strengths are set. For weakness I can mention how I am sort of shy sometimes. So thats fine. I am sort of worried about being questioned on music since I know alot of bands but I dont think they are the right ones. My biggest concern really is at the end when they ask if I have any questions. I had an idea for a few, do you think itd be a good idea to bring a little notebook or something with me with some of my questions in it? so i dont forget? also do u have any ideas on questions i can ask? so far i got: what is a typical day like on the job? what would you say is one of the biggest challenges I'd have to face in this position? what are some traits you believe make an employee successful? are those good? or do you think I might need some more? help, i am freaking out haha

• Answer:

  I would assume you're going to a Hot Topic retail store. The weakness of shyness might not be a sales point in your favor. Retail stores are in the business of producing sales, of making people decide on buying something. Shyness means you will avoid people when you see them. Instead say another weakness. That you're stubborn, or that you trust people too much. Something that sounds like too much of a good thing but still legit. For the questions from you, don't take a list. Ask only one question that demonstrates that you are driven, unafraid, fun, helpful, a superstar. Ask 1) how does their store get rated every year. And then: 2) How can I help you get the Regional Gold Star Award for 2011. This type of question shows you're thinking more about the success of the store than your own success. Your third question seems the closest to that, although still centered around "me the employee"