Job interviews are one the most stressful things that we have to go through in our adult lives, especially if it’s a job that you really want. Sitting in front of one or more people, answering their questions, and knowing that they are sizing you up and making judgements about you is bound to make anyone nervous. That’s why it’s always best to go into a job interview fully prepared and in the right state of mind. If you have recently applied for a new job, read on, and we will let you in on ten little secrets that will help boost your confidence before your next job interview.
1. Do your research
Before any job interview, it’s important that do your research on the company that could become your employer. Look them up on the internet and read whatever you find about the company. You will feel a lot more confident if you have background info on the company and you won’t get caught out when the interviewer asks you what you know.
2. Arrive early
When you plan your journey to your interview, aim to arrive with plenty of time to spare and allow for unexpected delays to your journey. It will be much better for your self-confidence if you have time to sit in a coffee shop composing yourself, than it would be if you arrive late, sweaty, and flustered.
3. Remember that it is a conversation, not an interrogation
Never forget that you are interviewing them too. An interview is an opportunity for both sides to decide if they are right for each other, so treat it as a two way conversation and not a one sided interrogation. You don’t want to come across as being arrogant, but if keep in mind that you have a choice too it will help you feel less nervous.
4. Dress smartly, but feel comfortable
A little bit of power dressing never hurt anyone, and it will boost your confidence, but don’t wear anything that’s going to make you feel uncomfortable. If you hobble into the interview room in your brand new high heels, that’s not going to get to make a great impression and it will make you feel embarrassed.
5. Smile and be pleasant
You will feel a lot more confident if you can break the ice a little bit and make the proceedings feel a little less formal. Smiling will make you feel more at ease and it will make the situation less tense. Studies have actually shown that a smile lowers the pulse rate and reduces anxiety, so be nice, smile, and it will help to relax the situation.
6. Try not to overthink the situation
Before you go into the interview, try your best not to start imagining the worst. If you start imagining yourself tripping and making a fool of yourself, that will only make you more nervous. Bring yourself back realty, think positive and think through what it is that you want to get across and what you want to say.
7. Practice your answers
Plan the interview in your mind and practice the answers you will give to the questions that are most likely to come up, like “Why do you want to work for this company?”, “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?”, and “What do you think that you can bring to this job”. Rehearsing your answers to questions like these will make you feel more at ease and in control during the interview.
8. Take deep breaths
When you are sitting, waiting to be called into your interview, a few deep breaths will help to calm your nerves. Deep breathing will get extra oxygen into your body, and that will help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help during the interview itself. If you feel your nerves are getting the better of you, pause for a second, and take a couple of deep breaths.
9. Tell yourself that the job is yours
Right before you walk into the interview, pump yourself up with some positive thinking. Tell yourself: “this job is mine”, “I can do this” and “I’m a winner”. Go in there determined to succeed and don’t let a single negative thought into your mind.
10. Remember that they are only people too
When you are being interviewed, don’t forget that the interviewers are people just like you. They are not trying to trip you up, or make you look foolish, they just want to see if you will be a good fit for the role they have on offer. Remember, it’s not a life or death situation, it’s only an interview.
Do you have other job interview tips?
Stay happy!
