Interview Anxiety!

After months of attending job fairs, sending out resumes and networking, you finally have an interview.  You can hardly believe someone actually responded to you and wants to set up an interview. Job seeker’s nirvana, right? 

Well, for some job seekers, even though they have done everything right, and really want to do well on the upcoming interview, it hits them: interview anxiety! It’s that nagging headache, sweaty palms, “how I am ever going to get through this” feeling. 

You feel as if your whole career is on the line because of this one interview. Let me assure you it isn’t, and even if it seems as if it is, life does go on if you don’t get the job. The Law of Attraction says “like attracts like”, or if you are more spiritual, “be thankful for unanswered prayers”. 

So, if you don’t get the job after giving it your interview best, don’t despair. It could be that it really wasn’t the right one for you and the next opportunity will be even better!

Still feeling anxious? Well, the one way to alleviate that anxiety is to prepare, prepare and prepare some more for the interview. Preparation creates confidence and confidence will help you in any interview situation. 

The following are five of my favorite interview preparation tips, starting with (as you might have guessed) making sure you have your “interview suit” ready to go.  That means checking to make sure it’s clean, pressed and still fits.

Next, have plenty of copies of your resume printed before interview day. I have found that job seekers invariably leave this to the last minute. Then you know what happens? The printer runs out of ink and/or you only have one sheet of resume paper left. When it comes to interviews, Murphy’s Law reigns so know it and prepare for it. 

Also, make sure you have directions to the company. Don’t rely on memory or the old stand by “I know how to get there”. Make certain you know of alternate routes in case of traffic accident or train delays.

Also, make sure you have some questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having questions prepared goes hand in hand with researching the company before you interview there.

Last, but not least, relax. And if you can’t relax, know some techniques to help calm your jitters before you get to the interview. Whether it’s deep breathing exercises, mindfulness or visualization, make sure you know a way to calm yourself down.

A little nervousness is natural, and will actually put you more on your game. So, my advice to the anxious job seeker is to use these five tips to prepare for the interview, use anxiety in a positive way and you’ll do just fine. Enjoy the journey!