“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Career Monday: Jettison Your Job Interview Jitters

It’s natural to feel anxious before an important job interview. You have a lot at stake in terms of your financial future, career opportunities, and day-to-day happiness. You also know that you’re going to be scrutinized for each decision you make, from how you dress to what you say.

While the jitters are common in such a situation, they can be troublesome as well. You may be too distracted to think clearly about what you need to do, and you may give your interviewer the impression that you lack confidence.

Make anxiety work for you instead of against you. Try these strategies for regaining your composure and landing more job offers.

Steps to Take Before Your Interview:

1. Shift your perspective. There are advantages to anxiety if it gives you more energy and motivation to work hard. Still, you can accomplish the same thing with more comfortable emotions. Turn your anxiety into eagerness so you’re looking forward to your interview instead of brooding about it.

2. Accept your feelings. Suppressing emotions can actually intensify them and make them surface at inopportune times. Embrace your doubts and challenge them rather than trying to ignore them.

3. Prepare thoroughly. Planning ahead will give you confidence. Research the company and staff members you’ll be meeting with. Rehearse your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend. Focus on the difficult areas, so you’ll sound as eloquent as possible.

4. Sleep well. Getting 8 hours of sleep the night before would be ideal. If you’re too restless to snooze, lie still and rest. Chant something uplifting or picture cheerful images. A warm bath before bed may help too.

5. Move around. Exercise is one of the most constructive ways to release tension. Go for a run in the park the morning of your interview or take a yoga class at lunchtime.

6. Breathe deeply. Our emotions are closely connected to our breath. Doing breathing exercises each day will give you greater control. For a quick fix, try lengthening your exhalations and picturing your doubts leaving your body.

7. Limit caffeine. The last thing you need is too much caffeine. Put yourself on a budget, like one cup of coffee soon after you wake up and another one later in the morning.

8. Leave early. A peaceful commute will help you stay on track. Ensure you understand the directions to the venue where you’re interviewing. Give yourself plenty of time in case of heavy traffic and severe weather.

Steps to Take During and After Your Interview:

1. Smile wide. Start off with a great first impression. Put on a big smile, make eye contact, and shake hands while you introduce yourself. If you’re interviewing with more than one staff member, greet each of them warmly.

2. Create a conversation. Remember that an interview is a chance for give and take rather than being an interrogation. Many interviewers will appreciate your ability to guide the conversation toward your major strengths and concerns.

3. Show interest. Let the interviewer know how much you want the position. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and ask pertinent questions. Even if the job turns out to be unsuitable for you, you can practice being engaging without being misleading.

4. Finish strong. Reinforce your performance by closing on a high note. Summarize what you can contribute to the company and thank your interviewer for their time and consideration. Follow up with a thank you note and any materials you promised to send.

Imagine feeling poised instead of nervous when you go on a job interview. Reframing your anxiety and being prepared will help you to impress your potential employer and advance your career.

Leave a comment

Never miss an opportunity to earn HRCI/SHRM credits, identify a mentor, or connect 1:1 with another HR Girlfriend in your city or across the country.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Author picture

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
HR Q&A

Q&A: A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?

When an employee informs you that they were injured while working from home, take the claim seriously and follow your usual procedure for a workplace ...
Read More →
Affirmation

Affirmation: My choices today support my goals for tomorrow

Each day is a reminder that I am one step closer to my goals. Keeping that in mind helps me to stay on track with ...
Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: How to Make the Most of Working from Home

Working from home is becoming much more common. On the surface, it sounds ideal. You can work in your robe while you talk to your ...
Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap