One of the best ways to remain composed during an interview is to work on being relaxed before the questioning even begins. Here are tips for keeping your cool!
No matter how many interviews you have been to in the past, it is important to prepare for each one like it is the only one you will receive.
Prepare and Practice Before the Interview
- Research the company and the job description so that you are familiar with what you would actually be doing if you got the job. This will automatically raise your comfort level because you will be on the same page as the interviewer - you will know what is required of this job and how your work would contribute to the goals of the company.
- Look up and practice answering sample interview questions. Say your answers out loud or rehearse with a friend or family member. Questions like "Tell us about yourself" may seem easy, but many people can easily stumble over their answers or ramble on. Be concise but friendly with your answers - practice to get sample answers down.
- Plan your outfit and dress appropriately and comfortably. Being distracted by the hem of your pants or the height of your heels is only going to harm your concentration, make you feel self-conscious, and take away from your ability to relax. If you are even questioning its appropriateness or comfort level, find something else.
The Day of the Interview
- Make sure you know where you are going and when. Nothing is more stressful than being late for an interview, feeling hurried or nervous and self-conscious because you made everyone behind schedule. Allow yourself more than enough time to arrive at least ten minutes early, so even if you get lost you have a cushion of time. Keep a phone with you while driving so you can call for directions if need be.
- Perform simple breathing exercises or say a silent prayer or meditation before beginning the interview. With practice, strategies such as these can help calm you physically and emotionally, helping you think more clearly and enter the room ready for success.
- Think positively. They wouldn't have invited you in for an interview if they weren't at all interested in you. Getting to this stage means you've already met most of their qualifications. This is an opportunity to convince them that not only are you qualified, you are the right person for the job. Also keep in mind that this is a chance for you to interview the company in a sense, too, so it's not 100% about you.
By taking this advice and getting ready to stay calm during an interview before it ever starts, you should find that the process goes much more smoothly.
Copyright Katherine Brind'Amour. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Katherine Brind'Amour - Quality. Creativity. Professionalism. Writing you can trust, from an expert in the health sciences, creative writing, and academics.
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