When it comes to an important job interview, there are certain things you can do to put yourself in the best mindset for success and some things to avoid doing if you want to stay calm and land your dream job.
It’s natural to feel nerves in the run up to an interview because of the pressure of having to say the right things and hoping you are the person they are looking for. Don’t leave it down to pot-luck how it turns out on the day.
Things NOT to do
✗ Stay up late the night before worrying.
To calm the nerves, it helps to feel as prepared as possible. Do your research on the company and the position you are going for and get clear on why your skills/experience/passion would be valuable to the company. Then take an early night!
✗ Skip breakfast.
Lack of food equals lack of concentration. A blank mind is the last thing you want during a job interview, so ensure you have a good breakfast to set you up right for the day ahead.
✗ Drink too much caffeine.
It’s tempting to want to stay on the ball and a morning coffee is usually a great way to go. Just stay clear of the double espressos and make sure to drink enough water, because dehydration can also affect concentration.
✗ Leave everything to the last minute.
You want to be heading to your interview feeling confident and ready for anything the recruiters might ask you. So, give yourself time, the day before if possible, to organize all the finer details that could take up time and energy on the day. If you have a last-minute interview, stay focused on how you can be of service to the company and remember to smile.
Things to do
✓ Prepare your outfit in advance.
Undoubtedly, the way you dress affects the way you feel, so for a job interview, you want to feel confident and appropriate. Check out our blog on what to wear for a job interview here.
✓ Make sure you know the way.
Take the same route in advance if you have never been there before so you know how long it takes, the directions and where to park or what public transportation to take. It’s always better to arrvive early than late.
✓ Practice your interview skills.
Some people are great at talking, some people are not. Sometimes, in situations like a job interview, it’s hard enough to get the right words out at the right time, let alone trying to convey why you should have the job by responding to challenging questions. The best way to overcome this is to practice your interview skills so your brain already feels familiar with the situation. Try an online mock interview for practice.
✓ Take a copy of your resume with you.
The employer may appreciate it, plus you can read over it a few times so your skills and experience will be fresh in your mind.
Looking for more job interview tips to help you land your dream job?
Visit our Interview Tips page or get professional feedback from a certified career coach.
