You showcased your stuff on paper and now it’s time to seal the deal with a powerful interview. Easier said than done, right?
If you share a case of the interview jitters with many others on the planet, here are a few techniques to boost your self-confidence and help you smooth sail your way to an offer:
- Create an Interview Zone. Way before interview day, jot down some ideas about how to create your perfect pre-interview scenario. Dream up the perfect workout, breakfast, music, sleep, transportation, level of interaction with others — include anything that pumps up your self confidence and promotes a smooth environment. Deem it your “Interview Zone” and don’t let excuses or others get in the way of cultivating that scenario to the greatest extent when the big day arrives.
- Practice, practice, practice. Nothing yields performance magic like practice. Brainstorm a list of questions you think the interviewer is likely to ask or snag some from the web. Ask friends, family, or acquaintances to role play interviewing with you. This Q&A simulation will get you comfortable articulating the kinds of responses you’ll need.
- Interview, interview, interview. Accept any interviews that are offered. Interview practice makes perfect so even if you don’t land that specific opportunity, you’ll have the benefit of real life experience on your side for next time. After each interview, spend 15 minutes rehashing it. Act as your own best critic about what needs improvement.
- Expand Your Horizons. Read some articles about successful communication techniques or enroll in a short-term public speaking class. Both experiences will help you learn to better organize and articulate your thoughts in a powerful way. The goal is to become comfortable addressing any audience — a skill that will serve you for a long time to come in any endeavor.
- Personal Rituals. Before the interview, practice any stress relief technique that has worked for you in the past. Some need a power boost while others require concentrated reflection. Some ideas:
- Meditate or simply take a few deep breaths.
- Offer up a personal power mantra or prayer.
- Right before the interview, play a song that pumps you up and inspires self-confidence.
- Do some stretching or cardio exercises a couple of hours prior to get the blood flowing and the brain going.
- Pep Talk — Only consider a power-packed “pick me up” phone call with a friend or family member if you can be sure it will serve it’s purpose. Is such a call part of your personal “Interview Zone”?
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