Intense sweating?
Blanking out?
Clicking your pen?
Rambling?
You might be a nervous interviewer. I see lots of people who are anxious before their interviews. It’s natural. It’s a sign you care a lot. It also sucks because it gets in your way of performing well and landing that dang job.
BUT, with the right mindset and preparation, you can approach your next job interview with confidence and boost those chances of success. Let’s explore some tips and insights I share with my clients that can help you navigate the interview process with more ease.
#1: YOU ARE QUALIFIED! EMBRACE THAT AND RELAX
Most people who struggle with interviews often experience anxiety because they anticipate being asked questions they either won’t be able to answer at all, or won’t have a good answer to.
However, if you’re applying for jobs you know you’re qualified for, the chances of running into a question you can’t handle are pretty close to zero.
Remember, the only reason you’re even in the interview is because you have the skills and experience the employer is seeking. Rather than letting anxiety take over, allow yourself to relax and trust in your abilities. When you’re relaxed, you’re more likely to feel confident and provide thoughtful responses.
They are not going to stump you!
#2: BRING YOUR PERSONALITY TO THE INTERVIEW
It’s easy to slip out of your natural personality in an interview because the power dynamic can make you nervous. To combat this, consciously remind yourself to stay grounded in your personality in the interview.
One thing that can help you stay in your personality is breaking the ice early. Try making a casual observation about the interviewer’s room or background during the initial introductions.
For example, you could say something like, “Wow, I just gotta say, your cork board is huge! I need me something like THAT!” or “Before we start, I just wanna say your background kinda reminds me of that one scene in Finding Nemo!” or “I see the sun is shining where you are, and it’s reminding me I need to go get some sun today!”
These small personal touches can help you relax and allow your true personality to shine through.
#3: PAUSE BEFORE RESPONDING
Even when you know you have a solid answer to a question, resist the urge to respond immediately.
Instead, take a brief pause – a second or two – before answering. Look up, thoughtful as always, and then provide your response. This small pause can help you gather and organize your thoughts, preventing rambling or incoherent answers.
Additionally, it conveys valuable intangibles to your interviewers, such as confidence, an ability to think carefully on your feet, and comfort handling pressure (even if you don’t actually feel that way in the moment).
And there ya go! Start with these tips, and go from there.
Remember, if you’re applying for jobs that align with your qualifications, you’re likely to have good answers to the interview questions.
By embracing your qualifications, bringing your personality to the interview, and pausing before responding, you’ll help yourself take the edge off your anxiety in your next job interview.
Good luck out there interviewers!
Curious about more?
You’re job searching–or thinking about job searching–and not having a good time?
You’re putting off job searching because you’re worried about the stress?
Yeah it’s hard out there.
Coaching might be a good resource for you, but if you’re like most people, you’re probably not sure.
If you’d like to know more about coaching, how it has helped others in your situation, and how it can help you, fill out your info below or email me at brandon@begallantcoaching.com.
I’ll send you a quick email with some brief information you can read and digest on your own time.
Or you can just sign up for a free consultation with me here.
Either way, let’s stay connected!
~B
Be Gallant Coaching 