I need tips for not being terrified during an interview!
Interviewing brings with it all the fears of public speaking and first dates with the added bonus of the pressure to provide for your family. No wonder they’re scary! Take a deep breath, center yourself and your intentions (what outcome you truly desire), and follow these tips:
Investigate
You’ve already submitted a stunning resume and obviously have the skills that your potential employer is looking for – or else you would not have gotten the interview. They know a lot about you. Now, it’s your turn.
- Research the company on the internet.
- Speak to current and/or former employees.
- Check out the neighborhood (you’d be amazed at what you can learn at a coffee shop).
This will not only allay some of your fears (most fears are rooted in the unknown) – but it will also give you a good basis for relevant questions that you may ask them.
Stick to your routine
Get up early, have a good breakfast, walk your dog, have a cup of coffee – in other words, do all the things you normally do in the morning. It’s just another day, right? Take it one step at a time.
Get there early
Very early. After parking, checking your portfolio, locking up, and walking to the building you should still give yourself time to go to the bathroom. While there, check your outfit, makeup, hair, teeth – whatever calms you. Five minutes before the time set, let the gatekeeper know you are there, and with whom you are to meet. Chat with the gatekeeper, if you can. The gatekeeper is usually the receptionist or someone at the front office. These are very good friends to have!
Remember: we all want to see you win
Smile. You are talking with a real, live human being – just like you. Most likely, that person is just as nervous as you are (really!). Answer questions honestly and professionally, but still be you. The person intervewing is actually rooting for you. Their job is to find a winner. If you are that winner, they will be thrilled. Keep that in mind the whole time, and you’ll feel much calmer.
It’s not the end of the world
No matter what the TV says, this is not the only job in the world. Just like dating, you may have to meet a few duds before you find "the one."
As said by others already, you are interviewing them, too. You want the job to fit you as much as they want you to fit the job. If it doesn’t – why would you want it? Money is not enough of an incentive, never forget that.
You’ll do marvelously – we’re pulling for you!
I’m not an expert, but I’ve certainly been on a few interviews. Just try to remember that even though they’re interviewing you, you’re interviewing them as well. Thinking of yourself as being on a level playing field may help calm your nerves. You have a lot to offer, and you need to decide if their job will suit you. Good luck!
