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Getting Over Job Interview Nerves

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You’re experienced, capable and confident…that is, until you go to a job interview. Then you simply become a bundle of nerves. As one of Tempe’s top recruiting agencies, PrideStaff knows this can happen to even the best candidates. The question is: What can you do about it – so your butterflies don’t get the best of you during your next interview? Here are some tips to follow:

Before Your Interview: 

  • Change your mindset. When you approach a job interview like an interview – and constantly think about everything that’s at stake – it’s no wonder your nerves are causing a problem. Instead, try to reframe the situation as a conversation between two professionals.
  • Practice common interview questions and answers ahead of time. If you can, ask someone to role play with you as the interviewer. This will help boost your confidence level.
  • If someone in your network already works at the company, ask for any information or guidance on interviewing and getting hired.
  • Exercise in the days leading up to your interview. This will help you feel better and take the edge off your nerves.
  • Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before the interview.
  • Have a healthy breakfast the morning of your interview. You don’t want to eat so much that you feel sick. At the same time, you don’t want your stomach grumbling halfway through the interview.

During the Interview:

Be aware of your body language.

You’re saying all the right things. But if you’re biting your nails, twirling your hair, or jittering, it’s going to send a different, weaker message. So, stay calm and cool. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake. And smile often.

Don’t talk too quickly.

When you’re nervous, it’s easy to start talking too fast, which makes it hard to understand you. Don’t be afraid to pause for a minute before you answer a question. Your interview isn’t a race and you should take your time to answer each question carefully.

Listen and ask questions.

When you’re nervous, you’re totally focused on yourself and how you’re feeling. As a result, you might not hear what the interviewer is asking or telling you. That’s why it’s important to really listen to what’s being said and ask questions any time you need a clarification.

Be yourself.

Don’t practice so much that you come across as a robot. Employers want to hire real people with real answers. So it’s important that you are calm and confident, but also yourself.

Need more help preparing for interviews or finding job leads?

Call the employment experts at PrideStaff. As one of Tempe’s top recruiting agencies, we’re all about your job search success. We’ll take the time to get to know you and your career goals, so we can connect you with top employers and top jobs in Tempe. Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.

 

 

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