Keep Calm, its just an interview

So the hard work has paid off and the email, phone call, or letter you’ve received has invited you for an interview.

What now?

……Panic?

Nope!

Remember “Keep calm, it’s only an interview!”

No matter if you are a seasoned interview pro, or nervous first timer there are some simple steps that you can take to prepare, reduce your stress levels and keep you focused on the end goal, that new job!

Simple steps

• Research, research, research!

You probably can research too much, but take time to at least research the company, it’s structure, history, finances, employee count, the facility that you are being interviewed to work in and if relevant the market that the company trades in.

• What about similar roles?

Have a look on LinkedIn to check people with similar roles to the one that you are applying for.

How does your background, history and experience compare?

• Interview questions, there’s nothing worse than that heart rate increasing, sweat inducing silence of a question that you just can’t answer during an interview.

Some questions you will probably be asked;

“Tell me about yourself”,

“Why did you choose to apply for the role of …?”

“What do you know about our company”

“Do you have any questions?”

Remember you can always ask about the future direction of the role, company and it’s future developments. By asking a question it helps demonstrate that you are interested in the position and the company.

• Practice, ask a friend or relative to mock up an interview and pose some questions.

Take time to practice and record your responses, this will help alleviate nervous energy during the interview. If you have no one to practice with, record your answers via audio or video on your phone or computer and play your responses back.

• Mindful Stop, if you do get stuck or feel overwhelmed, remember the mindful STOP

Stop, Take a few seconds to compose and breathe, Observe your thoughts and feelings, and then Proceed!

Final checks;

Is your interview clothing ready?

Have you checked how long it will take to get to the interview?

Use the internet to check, leave plenty of time on the day of the interview to arrive; alleviating stress before it has chance to take a hold!

And finally if you’re not successful this time around, don’t beat your-self up over it, the interview will be an experience in itself, and as they say “practice makes perfect!”

All da Best !!!