Be gone, job jitters and nerves.
The thing to know about nerves is that everyone has the nerves. Even the best of them have nerves- the sweaty hands, involuntary shaking, and the mind going blank. What matters is we accept the condition ('it is normal') and then we deal with the condition (starting with a deep breath). The courageous fear, but then they forge on regardless, just knowing they have do what needs to be done. They go in.
- Get plenty of sleep and rest the night before. A few quick and short runs will get the blood going vigorously through your body.
- Do the prep: All the pre-interview best practices- Research the job / company / industry, Practice the hard questions they ask (tell me about yourself, tell me when.,..), Have example stories about your successes ready (PAR format- What was the problem, What you did, What the result was), Power pose (pose of a runner having just won the race), Copy of resume (with the relevant skills mentioned in the right places- career summary, key skills and work experience)
- Get the backup tasks done: Good dress, clean look, money / keys / tickets / handkerchief in pocket. All this helps you focus on task at hand.
- Practice the interview: Get a friend / family with a practice interview the day before. Look at where you paused more ot stuttered. Look at your own sound, your 'Umm' and 'Hmm...'
- It is okay to take your time: If you feel like it, take some deep breaths. Take some time to pause and gather your thoughts (always think about your prep work to remember what you supposed to say or do).
A nice and practical breathing method: The '4-4-4' techniques. Inhale to a count of 4, wait till a count of 4, and slowly breathe out to a count of 4. Do this 3-4 times.
- It is okay to tell the interviewer about you being nervous: If you can add that you were nervous as you really wanted to work at the company.
5. Stay positive.
Remember, you can do this. You’re qualified for the job, you’ve got some great credentials and you’ve got the necessary experience. This company is just as lucky to be interviewing you as you are to be interviewed by them! Boost your self-confidence by telling yourself that it’s in your power to get this job. You can do it.
You’re familiar with the feeling. Your palms start sweating, you start to shake and for some reason, your mind goes completely blank. Sounds like a dreaded case of interview jitters! Nerves can bring even the most professional candidate to their knees, impeding their chances of securing the job, even if they’re the most qualified.
Pro tips:
1. To deal with sweaty hands, some people advice to carry a paper towel or a handkerchief in your right hand pocket of your pants. While leaving it in your pocket, you can use it to keep your hand dry before shaking the interviewer's hand.
2. In cold weather, people suggest to hold a warm cup of coffee before shaking hands, and you may come off as 'warmer'.
3. If you can still smell your cologne/perfume 15 minutes after you put it on, you may have used too much.
Thank you for reading.
This guide is from The Success Manual, which contains 200+ guides to succeeding in business, career and personal life. Get the pdf ebook for $12 only.