How to Stop Worrying During Your Job Interview

If you happen to be applying for your dream job, then it will be understandable that you're looking at your job interview as a life-or-death situation. You can only do your best, so you must stop worrying during the job interview. Eventually, one recruiter (or interviewer) will see your worth. Before you think about the contract, you must consider the steps that you must do before, during, and after the interview. Do your research, sleep well, take deep breaths, answer the questions naturally (and honestly), and get a feedback (from the recruiter).

5 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Interview

A wise applicant will do a research on the company. The information you'll gather won't guarantee a contract, but you'll be able to tailor your responses based on the data you gather (during the research). You should know that it's all about the numbers, so don't repeat (or rephrase) what you have read on the company site. It won't take you long to look into your previous (work) experience and do a comparison. You must remember that the best preparation doesn't ensure a smooth interview. If you can't answer the question right away, then you can ask for a clarification. It doesn't make you worse than the other applicants.

Sleep will give you the best feeling. First impression often makes the difference, so you don't want the recruiter to notice your puffy eyes, listless expression, and sluggish movement. The lack of sleep will put you off the mark, and you must answer questions (during the interview). Everything must take a backseat while you're preparing for an interview. You want to look your best, even feel good about yourself. And you must be sharp and alert. A long sleep will give you those benefits, but there's a good chance that you'll misunderstand a question or two. If you don't want the recruiter to repeat it, then pause for a few seconds (before you answer it).

Breathe. It's been proven that breathing will help you relax during those nervous moments. Don't do it often, as you must project your confident self (during the interview). You shouldn't think that you would get another chance. You've come far to that stage (of the job application process), so do your best.

Honesty may not be the best policy, but fibbing can cost you the interview. ** Don't let your answers confirm what the recruiter (or interview) suspects you all along. (You might not be the best candidate for the job, but your smooth replies project otherwise.) On the other hand, it's not wise to reply to the question immediately. No points will be deducted from you if you think (about the question) for a few seconds. Furthermore, you have done your research beforehand. You have come up with a plan, so stick to it. If you're uncertain of it, then don't give a line that a recruiter has been hearing often from applicants (e.g. "I'm a hard worker."). Let your figures, which will highlight your resume, guide you.

Don't be afraid to get feedback. If you didn't get hired, then don't hesitate to get feedback. It won't reverse the recruiter's decision, but you'll likely get a favorable impression. You show a proactive approach in such a situation. It will give you tips on how to nail the next interview. The recruiter will sense that you can be trusted in challenging tasks. (You might not have passed it, but all applicants have shown signs of nervousness at some point. They may or may not falter, but you've gone one step further.)

You Must Not Forget the Cardinal Rules

Practice makes perfect. Ask a member of your family or a friend to help you prepare for the interview. Both of you can think of the possible questions to be asked, but don't expect to get it all. If you tend to forget the questions (and your answers), then write it down. Read it later. Don't be anxious about the question(s) you might miss. Focus on what you know, what you have achieved, and what you can offer (on the table).

Pay attention to your voice. Don't talk too fast, as the interview will end up confused (and won't think of you favorably). Don't worry too much about correct grammar, as it's more important to respond naturally. (The body language will matter more, also how you sell your previous work experience.) Don't think about what you might miss, as you can assure the recruiter that you'll find it out sooner or later.

Show your genuine interest in the job. It doesn't mean that you'll make the recruiter feel special, but your gestures and responses should give a hint to the recruiter that you're up for the responsibilities. Don't exaggerate your achievements, as blowing your own trumpet too much can backfire on you.