Overcoming The Interview Jitters

I know lots of people, from all backgrounds, that get the interview “jitters.” All the interview tips on the planet will not help you unless you can first embrace your confidence. Take a look at your talents, be confident of your abilities and realize that the interview process is an issue of selling the prospective employer on your skills. No matter the format of the interview, e.g., one on one, panel or phone, preparation is a necessity.

Research
Start with researching yourself.Ask yourself:

• What tasks does this position require?
• Do I possess those skills?
• 
  
  Why am I a good candidate for this job?

The answers to these questions serve a three-fold purpose.

1. You’ll know whether or not you qualify for the position.
2. If it’s a field that you wish to pursue, you’ll realize that you may need more training.
3. When the questions are asked during the interview, you’ll already have the answers.

Research the company.

Learn about the background of the company. Is it family owned? Did the CEO start out in the mailroom or as the receptionist? How large is the company? Is the company public or private? The more that you know about the company will help you clearly convey why you’re a good candidate.

Inventory interview questions.

Think about the interview questions that scare you the most. Pinpoint the questions that have stumped you in the past and address them. Taking the time to do this before the interview will give you a multitude of answers to use during the interview, and you won’t be left speechless. Think of a few questions that you want to ask the interviewer(s). That way, if have the you a chance to ask them, you’ll be prepared and can show that you’ve done your research and are very interested in the position. Practice! Practice! Practice! Go over interview questions and practice responding to each one. Say your answers aloud to yourself or to someone who will listen.

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