Beat the Pre-Interview Nerves!
Are you a job seeker and are actively interviewing? No matter how experienced you are, we all get a little nervous before a big interview! Being well prepared is the key when it comes to successfully conducting an interview. Here are some tips when it comes to preparing for that first and very important meeting with a prospective employer.
“Must dos” before an interview:
- Ensure you have all details on where the interview will take place. Make a trip past the building a couple of days before so you are aware of how to get there, what the parking is like etc. You don’t want to be running late! If anything happens on the day and you think you won’t make it on time, always call ahead and let the interviewer know.
- Make sure you do some research about who you will be meeting – their job title and their background. Likewise, ensure you have done plenty of reading about the company. If you can have some industry news ready to discuss, that will be sure to impress. Visit their website and Google them for company news and events.
- Prepare some sample interview questions the night before – have some examples ready of projects you did well on, or work experience that is relevant to the company.
- Make sure you get plenty of sleep the evening before your interview, stay relaxed yet focused on what you want to achieve.
- If you are not sure what to wear, dress more smartly than you think you should, more business-like is always better!
- Don’t be too early or too late. 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time is good.
- Breathe! And smile . . . let your natural style and personality shine through. The bottom line is that your ability to positively connect with the interviewers is going to make or break the interview at this point. And at this point, you will be so glad that you feel good; you look good and you know that you are right on target with your answers and follow-up questions.