Your palms begin to sweat. You wonder if anyone else can hear your heart beating, louder and louder. Your mouth is dry, and you’re unsure whether you will be able to even get out a word out. You wonder if this is the end of the road. This is not the end, it’s only the beginning... That is, if you can make it through the interview and outshine your competition.
Interviews can be intimidating, but there are many simple ways to get you feeling more comfortable and confident for the big day.
Go through practice questions
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You may not know exactly what questions are going to be asked during your interview, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare. Make sure you flush out the reasons why you want this position. Why do you deserve this job? What is one of your weaknesses and how do you deal with it? Going through practice questions will get you in the right mindset and make you feel more comfortable when you are being interviewed by the individual who has the power to give you the job of your dreams.
Get to know your interviewer
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If you know the name of the individual or individuals who are going to be conducting your interview, get to know them. Check out their LinkedIn and other social media platforms to get a feel for who they are. This will make them less intimidating when you meet them for the first time.
Prepare your outfit the day before
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You’re already going to be a little scatterbrained the morning of your interview. Don’t even think about what you’re going to wear on the big day. Have your outfit picked out beforehand, so all you have to do is put it on. Don’t stress yourself out by trying to find your dress pants or blazer the morning of.
Know the organization
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"Why do you want to work for our company?” Figure out why the organization you are applying to is a good fit and why you would be an asset to their company. Know what their mission statement is and determine how it applies to your interests or goals.
Get plenty of rest
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To ensure that you are at your best, you want to be well rested. Don’t go out the night before or stay up late binge-watching Netflix. Set your alarm and get some quality sleep.
Make sure you eat something
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The interviewer is about to ask their first question. All of a sudden, everyone in the room hears a sound similar to that of a baby dinosaur’s roar. It’s your stomach. Sounding like you’re hiding an angry creature inside of you never makes for a good impression.
Bring copies of your professional materials
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It can’t hurt to bring a copy of your resume, cover letter, application and reference list, just in case the interviewer doesn’t have it handy.
Think of questions to ask
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At the conclusion of an interview, the interviewer usually asks if the candidate has any questions. Make sure you prepare a question or two that emphasize just how interested you are in this position. Avoid questions like, “How much do I get paid?” and “How many vacation days do I get?”
Wake up a little early and review one last time
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Don’t psych yourself out right before the interview. Run through your practice questions one last time and put your game face on. You’ve done all the necessary prepping, and now it’s just time to review. Be confident in yourself and do your best!
Interviews aren’t meant to be terrifying. Interviews are set up to gauge whether you are the right fit for the job in which you are applying. Prepare beforehand, say a prayer and go into the interview feeling relaxed and ready. If you don’t get the job, rest assured knowing that you did your best and prepped as much as possible. Everything is a learning experience, and this process will only get easier with time.
