No matter how many interviews you have gone to it never really seems to gets easier, does it? That's because each interview is different. Each interviewer is different from the last one and often the position you are applying for, although in your field of expertise, is different even if only slightly.
However, there are ways you can feel more relaxed and prepared for interviews, and increase your chances of getting that job or promotion that you're going for.
Here are 10 tips to help you approach a job interview more confidently and increase your chances of success. They don't appear in any particular order as everyone needs to improve in different areas, but there is something here to help everyone who has ever been nervous about a job interview... and who of us hasn't!
1. Treat each interview as special
As was already mentioned you should approach each job interview as a new experience. Each interview requires you to sell yourself and your skills differently. An interview is about finding out if you are a good fit for a job, so you should not try to parrot answers you rehearsed months ago for another job.
Being well prepared for each interview will help minimize your stress and increase your chances of landing that perfect job.
2. Do your homework
Part of interview preparation is in knowing something about the company you will be interviewing with. It also means knowing at least the name and the position of the person who will be interviewing you.
Knowing the job description of the position you are being interviewed for is another important part of your interview preparation. If don't already know this information you can get it by going online to the company's website or by making a phone call to their human resources department.
There is one question every interviewer asks during the interview. That question is:
"Why do you want to work for this company?"
The question may not be asked exactly like this, but something like it will be asked. If you have researched the company it will make it much easier to answer questions like this without having to figure it out at the last minute and you'll also feel more confident.
3. Make time for job interview practice
Once you have the information concerning the company and the job position you are applying for you can develop some anticipatory practice questions you might think you will be asked in the actual interview. After making a list of these questions you can then begin practicing answering them in front of a mirror or in a mock interview.
Ask a friend or family member to help you with the mock interview. Also, many school career centers are a great resource for interviewing help. Your local library may have employment videos that you can check out and watch from the convenience of your home.
The point is to take advantage of as many resources as possible to help you sharpen your interviewing skills.
4. Dress the part
The day before your interview select the clothing you are going to wear to the interview. As you get ready to go to your interview make sure that your clothing is appropriate for the type of company you will be interviewing with.
Men should wear a nice pair of slacks with a dress shirt and tie, or a suit. Women can wear either a skirt or slacks with a decent blouse.
Both men and women should not dress provocatively or outlandishly, or with an excessive amount of jewelry. If you are going to wear jewelry keep it simple.
5. Take what you need to the interview
You will want to bring copies of your resume to the interview to give to the interviewer, even if you had submitted one with your application. Your resume should be neat, clean and professional looking.
Also, take along a pen and pad of paper to take notes. Doing these things demonstrates your sincere interest in obtaining the position.
6. Be punctual
Make every possible effort to arrive to your interview on time; in fact, be there a little early. Never be late.
If you show up to the interview late you just told the employer that you are not punctual and will be late to work. If you are going to be late you need to have a very good reason then call the employer to explain the reason in advance and see if you can reschedule the interview.
7. Stay calm
During the interview stay calm and answer questions in an even and friendly tone of voice, expressing what you know about the company and how your skills can enhance and benefit the company.
As the interviewer is speaking demonstrate interest in what they are saying, keeping eye contact while they talk. Never let your eyes wonder around the room as this will show a lack of interest in not only the position, but the interviewer as well.
8. Sit comfortably
You don't want to slouch in the chair at your interview, but you do need to be comfortable. Try and sit up straight, right back in your chair and take a few good, deep breaths.
This posture will not only make you look calm and in control; it will help to make you feel this way too.
9. Ask questions
You don't give over all control in an interview: at least, you shouldn't! An interview should also be about finding out whether you want to work within in this company and do the job you are being interviewed for. It may seem quite a different place once you are actually there, so you want to find out what the place is really like.
Also, asking questions like this will impress your interviewer. It will make you appear interested and intelligent and also willing to learn and to listen to people. Realizing that you also have the right to ask questions at your interview should help you stay calm.
10. Closing the interview
As the interviewer brings the interview to a close let them know that you appreciate the opportunity to have received the interview and restate your interest in the position you were interviewed for. Leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you and you will feel that reflected back at you.
You will feel much happier as you leave the interview room.
These tips are tried and tested ways to approach a job interview more comfortably. If you prepare for your interview well, and realize that your world will not end if you don't get this job, and also that you have the right to refuse the job, even if it is offered to you, you should feel much better about going through the interview process.
Be calm, friendly and open. The interview is not threat to who you really are. There will be other jobs if you don't get this one and it may not be a job you would be happy in.
Approaching the job interview in a more detached and rational and less emotional way, will help you to feel calm, and that will mean you are much more likely to do well at the interview.