So you applied to your dream job and now you got the call to book the interview! Congrats! You’re super excited but also really nervous because now you have to prove to the prospective employer that you are the best candidate for the job. Here are some tips for staying cool, calm and collected on the big day….
#1: Prepare by doing research about what kind of questions you might be asked. Type into Google: interview questions for managers/ lawyers/doctors/teachers/accountants/ etc. Write these down along with your answers. Review the questions and answers daily.
#2: Prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask the employer about the company and the job. In addition, google what questions to ask interviewers in any given field.
#3: Research the company and the interviewer. Read about the interviewer’s accomplishments and any articles or books they may have written. Think about and write down what comments or questions you can ask during the interview in regards to their accomplishments. In addition, gather information about the company such as when it was founded, who founded it, the mission statement and its successes.
#4: Practice mental visualization daily. The way to do mental visualization is to lay flat on your back, close your eyes and imagine it is the day of the interview. Using the memory of all your 5 senses, visualize yourself getting up that morning feeling good and happy. You see yourself getting out of bed, making the bed, making and eating your breakfast, washing up, getting dressed in a suit, putting on your shoes and coat, taking your briefcase and heading out the door. Imagine you can smell your coffee and taste your breakfast, feel the temperature of the water on your skin and hear the sound of the water, taste the minty toothpaste, feel the material of your clothes, feel the handle of the briefcase as you clutch it in your hand. Imagine the scenery on the way to the train, bus or car. Pay attention to the colors of the trees, buildings, stores, street signs. You can hear the traffic outside, the sound the car, bus or train makes. Imagine you’re listening to your favorite music or podcast on the way to the interview. Use your memory of the melody and voice of the singer or host. Imagine walking into the building where the interview will be held and feeling confident. Imagine sitting in the waiting area and being called by the interviewer. Imagine shaking their hand. Imagine the interview itself going really well and after the interview you feel proud of yourself and confident that you did so well. Remember you’re using the memory of all your five senses while paying attention to all the details.
#5: Do breathing exercises every morning upon waking up and every evening at bedtime. While laying flat on your back, close your eyes and take a breath in through your mouth to the count of 5…1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Then hold the breath to the count of 5…1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Then slowly release the breath through your mouth to the count of 5…1, 2, 3, 4, 5. That is one set. Do at least three sets but the more sets you do, the more relaxed you will feel. If 5 is uncomfortable for you, then try it to the count of 4 or 3. The day of the interview, squeeze in an extra three sets on the train, bus or in the car after you’ve arrived and parked.
Good luck with the interview!!
Psychotherapist Jackie 