Going to any job interview is stressful. The thought of putting yourself out there for people to critique and evaluate in the hopes of working for them is intimidating. Everyone has suffered from interview anxiety at one point in their lives. Fortunately, there is a way to curtail your job interview anxiety and ensure that you put your best foot forward when meeting potential employers for the first time.
Preparation
Being prepared for an interview is a great way to help reduce stress and anxiety before an interview. Preparation includes brushing up on your knowledge of the company and overall position you are applying for. You can also ask colleagues, friends or family to help you with a mock interview to familiarize yourself with that kind of atmosphere. Colleges and Universities offer a number of resources to students on how to prepare for job interviews. Research common interview questions and think about how you may answer them if you are asked.
Interviewee
An interview can be a chance for you to learn more about the company as well as the company learning about you. Most interviewers will ask if the interviewee has any questions about the process or the company. Use that chance to ask the interviewers about any questions that may come to mind. You could even think about having questions ready for them to ask at the end of the interview. An interview can be viewed as a two-way street where both parties are learning about each other to discover if they are the right fit.
Presentation
The way you present yourself is crucial in making a good first impression. Dress appropriately for the job you are interviewing for. A business professional look can go a long way as opposed to a casual look in an interview. Dressing professionally could also give you a boost of self-confidence which could, in turn, keep you more relaxed and focused during the interview. Get enough sleep the night before and eat a light meal before the interview. Eating a light meal and getting enough sleep will help you look and feel energized during the interview.
Never be afraid to reach out to friends or family to help with interview anxiety. Understand that interview anxiety is common and even the most experienced business professionals experience it.