16 Mar How to NOT be nervous in the interview

It’s natural to be nervous going on an interview, because none of us is comfortable feeling “judged”. Here are some strategies and things to think about when getting ready that can make your interview process educational, positive and productive!!

Things to DO:

1. Prepare: Often, job-seekers spend 30 hours getting the interview, but only 1 preparing for it! It is critical that you research the company as thoroughly as possible. Annual reports, web pages, business and trade magazines are great resources.  Be able to articulate what properties of the company appeal to you and why you want to work there. What is their culture?  Where is the company going?  Be able to demonstrate that you have some understanding of the industry. Research the competition, too. What are the industry hot buttons? Every industry has a “language”. Make an effort to learn some of the industry-specific phrases and terms.
2. Be Clear on Your Goals and strengths:  Know what your natural strengths and skills are, and be prepared to talk about them, in the context of the job you’re interviewing for  (this is your “elevator speech”).  Also be prepared to relay specific examples of challenges you faced, and how you brought them to resolution using the skills you want to highlight.
3. Go Prepared with Questions: Intelligent questions can demonstrate your industry knowledge, and your interest in finding the right culture fit.  Be sure to have questions prepared and ready to go, and use them during the interview to  make it more of a business conversation, and lessen the “interrogation” feel; a much more natural way to converse…
4. Be the Image:  Remember, you have about 30 seconds to make that first impression!
   Wear a suit, and make sure it fits you properly. Wear hose. Make sure that your shoes are in good condition and well polished. Have a portfolio and a nice pen with which to take notes. Get to the interview 15 minutes early and visit the Ladies’ room to brush your hair, check your lipstick, and do an overall “image check”. Feel “bullet-proof” in terms of your looks, so you can focus on whether or not this is the job for you!
5. Don’t talk too much!  If you’re unclear about the question, then “mirror back” what you think they want to know, and focus on answering it. Be sure to cut out anything extraneous and “cut to the chase”.
6. Follow up right away: Immediate follow-up with the interviewer can differentiate you. Write an email, or a written note, to express appreciation for the time they took to meet with you.

Things to Remember:

1. Think about where they’re coming from. Chances are, they’re under some pressure to fill a position. If they fill it with the wrong person, they’ll have to start all over again, soon. If they can fill it with the right person, they’ll look good– so: the person interviewing you would love nothing more than for you to be the right person for the job! This way, they could hire you and move on to their next challenge.
2. Consider interviewing like “speed dating”…Quick meetings to discover: “do we have a fit?” yes/no then we move on.  There is nothing personal about it, it’s just business, so keep it short and do not let it affect you personally, and remember that you want to find your best fit and hit the ground running- so these people can help save you time!!
3. Every interview should be considered as “practice” and know that you’ll get better with each and every one!
4. If you find that the position is not the “right fit” then take this opportunity to network! Ask the person to keep you in mind and refer you to anyone who might be looking for your talents.