Have Job Search Jitters? Here"s How to Squelch Those Anxieties and Have a Successful Interview
Congratulations - you scored an interview with a company that feels just right for you.
In an hour you will be sitting in that dreaded chair across the desk from your prospective new manager.
Your stomach is turning, your hands are sweaty and shaking, your voice is cracking, and you begin to feel sick! This is a perfectly normal place to be according to most job search experts.
The outcome of your interview could be a major life change for you - so it's a very significant event.
But you can put this adrenaline rush to use in ways that will result in a successful interview.
So use the burst of fuel with a more positive approach.
Being nervous is actually a good sign that shows you understand the significance of this opportunity and the potential life-changing impact.
So get ready to learn a few steps to redirect this nervousness, be prepared, and make the most of it.
CHANGE THE UNKNOWN Fear of the unknown is what causes most anxiety.
You can alleviate that unknown and reduce the anxiety by brushing up on basic interviewing skills and the common interview questions.
Take some time before the interview to learn what you can about the company.
You'll be less nervous and you will shine by demonstrating your understanding of the company.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE So you've studied the company and can cite some specific projects or products and have a better understanding of the industry.
But the research isn't enough when it comes to face-to-face discussion and answering questions.
So do a little role playing - it's not that tough.
You can work your way through your resume and think of questions that apply to your background.
You can stand in front of a mirror and interview yourself or work with a friend in some role-playing.
Just saying some of the script out loud is a tremendous help.
And reiterate out loud some of your past success stories.
BE PREPARED Once your company research is complete and you've practiced the answers to the most common interview questions and you have prepared your success stories, be prepared with your notes along with extra copies of your resume.
Decide what you will wear and check to make sure everything is clean and fits properly.
Also remember that a job interviewing coach can be a very useful and effective way to fully prepare for your interview.
KNOW YOUR PAY RANGE Be prepared for salary negotiations.
This includes what you are seeking as well as what the market bears for the particular business and position.
Have a realistic ballpark figure or salary range ready in your head.
If asked the question early on in the interview, "What salary range are you expecting?", you can turn that around by saying you want to learn more about the company and the job responsibilities before discussing salary and then ask what range they have budgeted.
ZEN OR WHATEVER IT TAKES Some people jog, some meditate, some do yoga, and others listen to music.
Whatever works for you take some time in the hours and minutes before an interview to decompress.
As you are driving over to the interview and standing in the elevator, take some slow, deep breaths and focus.
DON'T OVERDO IT Be sure to take care of yourself.
The night before your interview be sure to eat a light, nutritious meal and get a restful night's sleep.
Don't try to "Cram" for the interview in the last 24 hours.
This should be used for your decompression time.
In an hour you will be sitting in that dreaded chair across the desk from your prospective new manager.
Your stomach is turning, your hands are sweaty and shaking, your voice is cracking, and you begin to feel sick! This is a perfectly normal place to be according to most job search experts.
The outcome of your interview could be a major life change for you - so it's a very significant event.
But you can put this adrenaline rush to use in ways that will result in a successful interview.
So use the burst of fuel with a more positive approach.
Being nervous is actually a good sign that shows you understand the significance of this opportunity and the potential life-changing impact.
So get ready to learn a few steps to redirect this nervousness, be prepared, and make the most of it.
CHANGE THE UNKNOWN Fear of the unknown is what causes most anxiety.
You can alleviate that unknown and reduce the anxiety by brushing up on basic interviewing skills and the common interview questions.
Take some time before the interview to learn what you can about the company.
You'll be less nervous and you will shine by demonstrating your understanding of the company.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE So you've studied the company and can cite some specific projects or products and have a better understanding of the industry.
But the research isn't enough when it comes to face-to-face discussion and answering questions.
So do a little role playing - it's not that tough.
You can work your way through your resume and think of questions that apply to your background.
You can stand in front of a mirror and interview yourself or work with a friend in some role-playing.
Just saying some of the script out loud is a tremendous help.
And reiterate out loud some of your past success stories.
BE PREPARED Once your company research is complete and you've practiced the answers to the most common interview questions and you have prepared your success stories, be prepared with your notes along with extra copies of your resume.
Decide what you will wear and check to make sure everything is clean and fits properly.
Also remember that a job interviewing coach can be a very useful and effective way to fully prepare for your interview.
KNOW YOUR PAY RANGE Be prepared for salary negotiations.
This includes what you are seeking as well as what the market bears for the particular business and position.
Have a realistic ballpark figure or salary range ready in your head.
If asked the question early on in the interview, "What salary range are you expecting?", you can turn that around by saying you want to learn more about the company and the job responsibilities before discussing salary and then ask what range they have budgeted.
ZEN OR WHATEVER IT TAKES Some people jog, some meditate, some do yoga, and others listen to music.
Whatever works for you take some time in the hours and minutes before an interview to decompress.
As you are driving over to the interview and standing in the elevator, take some slow, deep breaths and focus.
DON'T OVERDO IT Be sure to take care of yourself.
The night before your interview be sure to eat a light, nutritious meal and get a restful night's sleep.
Don't try to "Cram" for the interview in the last 24 hours.
This should be used for your decompression time.
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