Do you suffer from pre-interview jitters?
Most candidates do, in one form or another. It is natural to be both excited and nervous before an interview. You want to do well and have them like you. And, when there is a job at stake, it will increase the pressure on you to perform well.
Have you ever gone to an interview for a job that you were lukewarm about, and found that you were relaxed and confident? That’s because in your mind, you had less at stake: less to lose. So you did great. Conversely, have you ever interviewed for that special job or company, and left feeling like you stumbled, went blank and generally blew it?
Being prepared is the key to decreasing your anxiety. Here are some tips and techniques that you can use to control those interview jitters:
Before the interview:
1. Have your hair neatly trimmed and your suit or dress clean and pressed at all times. They should be ready and “on call” in the event that you are invited to interview on short notice.
2. When the interview appointment is scheduled, ask the person approximately how long the interview will be, with whom, and what the format will be.
3. Research the company as much as possible beforehand.
4. Don’t get caught off guard by getting lost or discovering road construction that could make you late for the interview. Take a trial run to the company the day before, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area. Find the best route, and get a lay of the land in terms of where to park, etc.
5. Have a “mental rehearsal” the night before. This method, also known as positive visualization, is very powerful. Find a quiet comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes and imagine the interview playing like a movie
in your mind. Create a scenario that is your perfect interview. Visualize yourself in an office setting, listening carefully to the interviewer, and responding with relaxed confidence. See yourself having good eye contact, smiling, having a good rapport with the interviewer. Play your mental rehearsal again the morning of the interview, and again in the parking lot, just before you go in.
6. Get a good night’s sleep.
The day of the interview:
1. Leave yourself plenty of time to get dressed, groomed, and arriving to the company about 5 to 10 minutes early.
2. Ask the receptionist to direct you to the nearest rest room. Do a final grooming check. If you’re tense or sweaty in anticipation, run your wrists under cool water. Imagine that the water is flushing away all your anxiety down the drain.
3. If you feel yourself breathing shallowly, take three slow deep breaths.
4. When you meet your interviewer, stand up, extend your hand for a firm handshake, make eye contact, and offer a relaxed and genuine smile. (You’re off to a good start!)
5. Remind yourself that you are an excellent candidate who has much to offer this company.
6. Listen to the interviewer, following his or her lead. Don’t cloud your mind preparing answers to questions you think they might ask. You might miss hearing important information.
If you do start to show outward signs of nervousness – sweating, blushing, voice or limbs shaking, stuttering, etc. don’t try to ignore it. As soon as you realize that they’re aware, it increases your nervousness, and the symptoms will worsen. Instead, deal with it head on. Say something like this: “I’m sorry, Ms. Manager. I am so excited about having this opportunity to interview, I’m afraid I’m a little nervous. Could I please have a moment to compose myself before we continue?”
What you are going through is not uncommon. In most cases, the interviewer will be sympathetic, and offer a drink of water, or perhaps some kind words. Stand up and walk around the room a bit, taking three more slow dep breaths. Then pretend you are starting over. Do not let thoughts of an awkward beginning haunt the rest of the interview – let it go and focus on doing your best.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to respond with all the “right” answers that you think the interviewer might be looking for. Most times, there are no right or wrong answers per se. He or she is trying to get to know you, your background, and to assess your value and potential fit with the company.
Finally and most importantly, don’t forget to be yourself.
