Once you have been invited to interview with an employer you will experience a myriad of emotions. Excitement, even exhilaration, gratitude and expectation top the list. As the day approaches, however, nervousness can creep in and the morning of the interview is often filled with stress and anxiety. Much pre-interview anxiety can be avoided or reduced. Let’s consider some foolproof ways to calm nervous jitters and banish the butterflies, so you feel back in control again. The most effective way to counter interview stress can be summed up in one word, preparation.
First, a framework of positive descriptions of you, positive stories of your past lives, and positive expectations of this potential future at this employer. For example, be ready to positively explain why you are on the market. Positively express your interest in this job and this company.
If you have been laid off, positively describe your former employer. Ban from your head negative emotions. If you bad mouth a past employer, you are creating bad karma. (Interviewer will think: ‘will he or she do that to our company some day?’
Be ready to explain in a sincere, concise manner, what your professional goals are, always keeping the door open for the employer to consider you for multiple opportunities within their organization.
Next, be thoroughly familiar with your resume and accomplishments, so that you can use the information in the interview. Often interviewers will ask you to illustrate how you do your job. What better way than to select a well thought out accomplishment from your resume? This kind of preparation can be a life saver when you are under the pressure of an interview.
Be sure you take the time to do research and review the company’s website to determine some issues of importance to the employer’s business. Be prepared to offer examples from your experience that illustrate how you can meet some of these key needs. Employers want to know what you can do for them and the success of their business.
Bring a short list of questions to ask the employer. A good interview is a two way street, a conversation. The employer learns about you; you learn about the employer. If the flow of information is one way, one of you will not know enough to make an informed decision. If you fail to ask questions, it leaves the impression that you are less than fully prepared.
Some practical tips. Be familiar with the company’s location and the best route to get there, “dry run” it if you can. Wait in the parking lot if you arrive more than 10 minutes early, it is better than arriving even one minute late. Lay out your wardrobe the night before, selecting conservative, professional attire regardless of company culture. You are a visitor, not an employee…yet. Get a good night’s rest so you are clear headed and energetic. Now, go to the interview and relax…you will appear confident and professional. Who knows, you may even land the job!
What concerns you about interviewing? It is possible to manage any concern. Let me help. Norma Sweeny
