Wednesday means a bunch of fresh-faced juniors and seniors will shower up, dress up and show up to pimp themselves out to the many companies that will show for NIU’s bi-annual job fair.

I look back at last semester, during the time of the job and internship fairs.

Around then, two other reporters and I participated in a little undercover work for the Northern Star. Each of us did something that all the experts on doing interviews said was a “no-no.”

Allow me to explain. One of the girls – both of the other reporters were female – decided she wanted to dress a little risqué. If memory serves, she dressed in a short jean skirt and an off-the-shoulder top and went to the internship fair.

The other reporter acted overtly flirtatious while interviewing with some of the companies and dressed to fit the part.

But I got to do something that was completely off-the-wall for an interview. I got to act like a complete and total jackass.

I cursed like a sailor and made rude comments. I interrupted people and even looked at the female interviewers’ chests while they talked to me. Disgusting, huh?

Anyway, I learned a lot from this experience. First of all, I learned that most of the interviewers are professional to the point of being stone-faced.

More importantly, I learned what works. A lot of people commented on my confidence when talking to them. Despite the fact I was being rude, I was straightforward and didn’t come off as being nervous.

Other interviewers said I was dressed well. I actually went to the fair dressed appropriately in a suit and tie.

Mostly, I learned what not to do. Beyond the obvious, I learned not to be rude and interrupt. Always be courteous to the interviewer and look he or she in the eye.

A good interview is key. Oh, and don’t try and find out this the hard way. You might get slapped.