Reduce Stress by Preparing for Your Job Interview

Attending a job interview can be emotionally taxing. It can’t be emphasized enough; always prepare for your job interview to reduce stress. Think of it as if your interview officially begins from the moment you receive a phone call. Use the time leading up to your interview to become as prepared as possible to land the job.

Why Prepare?

You will need to spend more time than the interview itself will take in preparing for it. This preparation will include learning about the job and the company and readying yourself to answer interview questions and effectively explain your assets as they apply to the specific job position.

You will impress your interviewer if you have done your homework and taken the time to learn about the company and the position. It also shows that you’re interested.

Check Your Appearance

Remember to spend time on your appearance. The way you look can be just as important as what you say. You want to give the best first impression possible, and there’s no better way to accomplish this than by what you wear.

What to Bring

Don’t go to an interview empty-handed, but don’t go with your hands full of things on the flip side. It’s a good idea to bring a copy of your resume, cover letter, and professional references, as well as a portfolio. They may or may not want to review your portfolio—but bring yours just in case.

Doing these things beforehand will not only improve your overall interview performance but will also alleviate much of the stress.

Ten Tips to Acing a Stress-Free Interview

1. Walk into the meeting with a positive and upbeat personality.

2. Be ready for the questions you will likely be asked. Think of the answers you want to give.

3. Research and know why you want to work for a particular company. Do your best to obtain information about the company ahead of time.

4. Research the specific position. What unique duties and responsibilities will go with the position?

5. Know what you have to offer—what training you have had and what you have done that makes you ideal for this position?

6. Create a list using the same font and letterhead as your resume with names, job title, place of employment, relationship to you, email addresses, and phone numbers for references.

7. Have your resume and portfolio up-to-date and bring them with you.

8. Get to the interview location time. Know where you’re going and how long it will take you to get there. Go there once beforehand if possible, so you don’t get lost.

9. Allow at least one hour for the interview. Don’t make any appointments or plans for right after the interview.

10. Get enough sleep the night before, and prepare your clothes. Be clean and neat.

If you follow these interviewing tips, you’ll walk into your interview stress-free and prepared to face the interview panel!

If you’d like additional preparation for your upcoming interview, check out these resources available from Candace Alstad-Davies, or contact her for an interview coaching session.