Overcoming That Interview Angst

For many job seekers, the idea of being interviewed for a job opportunity may be nerve-wracking or even downright terrifying. A bad case of the interview jitters can bother even the most qualified candidate, but it doesn't have to happen to you. The following helpful strategies can alleviate some of that pre-interview anxiety to help you make a great impression.

Be Prepared

The last thing you need on interview day is a last-minute emergency. Prepare everything you can ahead of time so that when the day comes, you already know the drill. Commute to the interview location a couple of days in advance, so you are aware of the route and usual traffic times. Plan your entire outfit, down to the accessories, and set it out the night before, pressed and ready to wear. Go to bed early enough to get a good night's sleep, and wake up early enough to prepare a good breakfast and review your resume and notes. Starting the day on a good note with minimal stress is a great way to keep your nerves under control.

Practice Your Answers

Tricky interview questions are arguably the main source of stress for job seekers. While it's impossible to know exactly what questions the interviewer might ask you, you can still prepare ahead of time by brainstorming your answers to common interview questions, such as, "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to work here?" and "What's your greatest weakness?" Once you've got a good idea of how to answer these questions, do a practice run with a friend so that you can hear how the answers sound out loud. Rehearse your answers over and over until you are comfortable and confident with your delivery. Chances are one of the interview questions you practiced for will be asked, and you'll have a thoughtful, ready-made response that will give you confidence to navigate through the rest of the interview.

Take Your Time

During your interview, don't try to rush to get the answers out. While the hiring manager's time is valuable, this is not a race. When he asks you a question, pause for a second or two to gather your thoughts before giving a response. This helps you avoid stumbling through an answer that you haven't given enough thought to. If a question really stumps you and you find yourself needing more than a moment, be honest with the interviewer. Explain that you're feeling nervous because this job opportunity is important to you. The interviewer will likely understand and appreciate your candor; after all, he's human too.

Stay Positive

Remember, if you've made it to the interview stage, that means you're on the company's short list of qualified candidates. So give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far. Also, remember to smile throughout this process. Smiling makes you feel good on the inside and helps camouflage your nervousness, making you appear confident on the outside.

The interview is no time to let your nerves get the best of you. With some preparation, you can take some of the pressure off and focus on making a great impression on the hiring manager. To overcome that interview angst, prepare yourself in advance, practice your answers, take your time and keep a positive attitude.

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