Preparation is the key to reducing job interview stress. If you prepare everything possible at least the day before the interview, you’ll be able to focus on the answering interview questions well and avoid worrying about anything else on that day.
1. Gather together and try on all of the clothes that you’ll wear to the interview.
Ensure that your job interview attire fits well and is in good condition. Discovering a stain on your best pair of pants on the day of the interview is a source of stress that is completely avoidable. Trying on all of your clothes well in advance so you’ll have time to fix any problems before the day of the interview will eliminate a potential source of job interview stress.
2. Collect all of your job search documents.
Gather together and make several copies of any job search documents you want to bring to the job interview. This may include your resume, cover letter, reference pages, performance reviews, reference letters, diplomas and anything other documents the employer may ask to see. You don’t want to be running around searching for and making copies of these documents on the day of your job interview.
3. Go to the place where the interview will be held.
Use whatever transportation you will use to get to the interview and try to go at about the same time of day as your job interview is scheduled. If you do this, you’ll know what traffic is like at that time of day, how long it will take to get there, where to park, whether you need money for parking meters if you’re driving, or which, if any transfers you’ll have to make if you are taking public transportation. You don’t want to worry about those things on the day of the interview, so work all of that out before your interview.
4. Practice answering interview questions.
Require yourself to come up with good answers for the questions that you find most difficult. Sit with a supportive friend or family member and run through a mock interview so you can practice saying your answers to tough job interview questions out loud.
5. Set aside plenty of time for the interview.
If the receptionist told you that the interview would be approximately 30 minutes, set aside at least 60 minute for the interview. Avoid scheduling any important meetings immediately after the interview. If a job interview goes long, that’s a good sign. You don’t want to be worried about picking up a child from school or getting to an appointment on time while you are in the middle of your interview.
Be well prepared for your job interview, but above all keep things in perspective. Remember, the employer wants to get this position filled, and he or she is hoping that you will be the right person for the job.
Even though it may feel this way at times, you are not going there, hat in hand, begging for a job. You are a talented person who is going there help them solve a problem for the employer. That is, if the company is hiring, that means there is an important role that is not currently filled. The employer wants to fill that role quickly, and you are going there to show them that you have all of the skills and experience required to meet their needs.
You will probably never completely eliminate nervousness before a job interview, and that’s fine. Employers expect a certain amount of nervousness. However, if you prepare everything you can in advance, you will avoid plenty of distractions and common sources of job interview stress and minimize your feelings of nervousness.
