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Preparing For A Job Interview - How To Reduce Job Interview Stress
By
Lisa McGrimmon |
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Preparation is the key to minimizing job interview nervousness. If you prepare
everything possible at least the day before the interview, you'll be able to focus on the
answering interview questions well and avoid worrying about anything else on that day.
1. Collect all of your job search documents.
Gather together and make several copies of any job search documents you want to bring to
the job interview. This may include your resume, cover letter, reference pages,
performance reviews, reference letters, diplomas and anything other documents the
employer may ask to see.
2. Gather together and try on all of the clothes that you'll wear to the
interview.
Ensure that your job interview attire fits well and is in good condition. Discovering a
stain on your best pair of pants on the day of the interview is a source of stress that
is completely avoidable. Trying on all of your clothes well in advance so you'll have
time to fix any problems before the day of the interview will eliminate a potential
source of job itnerview stress.
3. Go to the location where the interview will be held, particularly if you have never
been there.
Use whatever transportation you will use to get to the interview and try to go at about
the same time of day as your job interview is scheduled. If you do this, you'll know
what traffic is like at that time of day, how long it will take to get there, where to
park, whether you need money for parking meters if you're driving, or which, if any
transfers you'll have to make if you are taking public transportation. You don't want to
worry about those things on the day of the interview, so work all of that out before your
interview.
4. Research the company.
Have a look at the company website or promotional materials, or, better yet, if you know
someone who works there already, ask that person about the company. Try to get a sense
of the company's priorities and, if possible, try to understand what, exactly, the
company is looking for in new staff members.
5. Practice answering interview questions.
Require yourself to come up with good answers for the questions that you find most
difficult. Sit with a supportive friend or family member and run through a mock
interview so you can practice saying your answers to tough job interview questions out
loud.
6. Set aside plenty of time for the interview.
If the receptionist told you that the interview would be approximately 30 minutes, set
aside at least 60 minute for the interview. Avoid scheduling any important meetings
immediately after the interview. If a job interview goes long, that's a good sign. You
don't want to be worried about picking up a child from school or getting to an
appointment on time while you are in the middle of your interview.
7. Keep things in perspective.
Remember, the employer wants to get this position filled, and he or she is hoping that
you will be the right person for the job. You are not going there begging for a job, you
are going there help them solve a problem for the employer. That is, if the company is
hiring, that means there is an important role that is not currently filled; you are going
there to show them that you have all of the skills and experience required to meet their
needs.
You will probably never completely eliminate nervousness before a job interview, and
that's fine. Employers expect a certain amount of nervousness. However, if you prepare
everything you can in advance, you will avoid plenty of distractions and common sources
of job interview stress and minimize your feelings of nervousness.
Author's Bio
Lisa McGrimmon is a career writer who publishes Career Choice Guide an in-depth career planning and job search information resource. Please visit Lisa's site for more tips on preparing for a job interview.
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