Are you terrified of interviews? For the me the best way to address my anxiety is typically to take some actions. So I have made you an easy to follow list of 9 steps to take to help you walk into your interview with confidence, known you are prepared.
Show up 10-15 minutes early.
Do this every time, no exceptions. You never know when could happy on the way there or what parking will be like. Also, you set yourself up for stress when you get there rushed and flustered. When someone shows up late for an interview, it suggests to the interviewer that you don’t take their time seriously and that you will likely be late for work. Not a good look. You can solve all of these issues by showing up early.
Show up with a copy of your resume.
Even if you have already submitted it online or emailed it to them, bring it anyway. It will show the interviewer(s) that you are taking their time seriously and you prepare for things.
Visit the company website before you arrive.
AND READ IT. This should not take you more than 10-15 minutes and you are on your phone anyway. This will help you with number 4.
Have 2-3 questions before you show up.
Feel free to make notes and write them down if you are worried you will forget. Again, it will show the interviewer(s) that you are taking the job and their time seriously. If they answer your questions before you get a chance to ask them, that’s ok ask different ones. The types of questions to ask depend a little on the job and the company but asking questions about culture and where the company sees itself going in the future are always a good idea.
Be polite to everyone.
You never know whom you are talking to. The person at the reception desk may actually be an executive who has stopped that the desk for a few minutes. Or the receptionist may get a say in new hires. So be nice… to everyone.
Read the job description.
Use the job description to talk about your experience and skills. If you are able to relate the questions they ask you to why you are perfect for the job, that will likely score you bonus points.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
What does that mean? Dress up! Take a shower, get cleaned up. Nothing too provocative and avoid a lot of heavy make up. When you leave, you want them to think you were ready to take on the world.
Make a friend.
A lot of the skills required for a good interview are similar to those required to make new friends. Make eye contact, smile, shake hands, give a compliment (one is plenty here-you don’t want to overdo it).
Easier said than done, I know.
They expect you to be nervous. But whatever you can do to help yourself out here is a good idea. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, meditate, work out, do all the things above. When you are more relaxed you will do a better job of listening and answer the questions they ask you.
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to live your best life, call me and let’s get started!