| Most of us get nervous before an interview, no | | | | freely and easily. |
| matter how many we have had! However, it | | | | 4. Make eye contact |
| does not have to be as terrifying an experience | | | | Bear in mind that the interviewer is just another |
| as you might believe. Below, I have written a few | | | | person, like you. Do not be afraid to look straight |
| tips for overcoming job interview nerves and | | | | into his or her eyes during the interview. |
| giving yourself the best chance over the | | | | One benefit of this is that you will be able to |
| competition. | | | | gauge the interviewer's feelings. You will be able |
| Showing confidence is extremely important. | | | | to tell if he is interested in what you are saying, |
| Employers want to see that the applicant believes | | | | or whether he is getting bored. |
| they can do the job, as well as have the required | | | | On the other hand, don't stare or make eye |
| skills and experience. Confident employees make | | | | contact all the time. This could come across as |
| good staff members because they are usually | | | | confrontational and scary! On the other end of |
| trainable, and resourceful, with initiative and good | | | | the scale, avoiding eye contact completely could |
| leadership skills. These qualities will benefit the | | | | look as though you are hiding something. When |
| company in the future. | | | | you look into someone's eyes as you give your |
| However, do not confuse confidence with | | | | answers they will be reassured that what you are |
| arrogance. The exaggerated claims and boasting | | | | saying is the truth. |
| of an arrogant presentation has nothing to do | | | | 5. Listen. |
| with confidence, and is actually due to lack of self | | | | When we are nervous, we often make the |
| belief. True confidence has no need for | | | | mistake of listening to our own thoughts too |
| exaggeration, and an arrogant interviewee is likely | | | | much, and then answering the question that we |
| to do himself far more harm than good, so make | | | | thought we heard! When you actively listen to the |
| sure your confidence is genuine. | | | | interviewer, this has two benefits. Firstly, it will |
| There are a few simple things you can do before | | | | turn off the stuff going on inside your head, and |
| and during your interview which will build your | | | | secondly, you will be able to answer the correct |
| confidence. If you follow these steps you will find | | | | question! This active listening will calm your nerves |
| that you will feel more confident when you are in | | | | and make you feel more confident because you |
| front of the interviewer. | | | | will understand exactly what is expected of you. |
| 1. Research the company. | | | | 6. Make clear and direct answers. |
| Find out as much as you can about the company | | | | If you have listened properly, you will be in the |
| by looking at their website or looking them up in a | | | | position to tell the interviewer exactly what he |
| business directory. What particular skills and | | | | wants to know. Respond with straight and honest |
| knowledge do you have that will be useful for | | | | answers. If you waffle you will only show that |
| them? How will you be of value to this company? | | | | you are not sure of yourself. Be brief and to the |
| When you know the company's function and | | | | point. Offer appropriate information, but don't go |
| philosophy, you will understand their needs and be | | | | off at a tangent, as you will lose focus and |
| able to present yourself as someone who can | | | | concentration. If you don't understand the |
| fulfil those needs. The employer will also be | | | | question, don't try to bluff it; ask for clarification. |
| impressed by your interest and you are off to a | | | | Interviewers will respect you more for this. |
| good start. Your initiative will go down well with | | | | 7. Ask questions. |
| any interviewer. | | | | Before your interview, write down a few things |
| 2. Dress appropriately and professionally. | | | | you would like to know about the company. |
| The clothes you wear give an instant impression | | | | Showing an interest by asking questions is very |
| of who you are, and they also have a | | | | beneficial. However, try not to just ask about |
| psychological effect on you. Dress carelessly | | | | things that only concern you, such as what is the |
| sloppily, and you will act carelessly and sloppily. | | | | starting salary, or what fringe benefits they give. |
| Dress smartly and you will feel smart. Look good | | | | Ask questions about how you can be of service |
| and you will feel good. | | | | to the company, perhaps how a particular skill of |
| 3. Check Your Posture | | | | yours might be of use. By doing this, both of you |
| Make sure that you have a good posture when | | | | will know whether you are right for the job. |
| facing the interviewer. This doesn't mean you | | | | If you follow these steps you will see your |
| have to sit as though you have a rod up your | | | | confidence increase and your nerves decrease. |
| back, but by sitting straight and not slouching you | | | | Above all, it is important that you believe that you |
| will not only be able to breathe more easily (which | | | | are capable for the job. Without this self belief |
| will enable you to relax), you will feel more | | | | you will not appear confident to your interviewer, |
| confident. Your answers will then come out more | | | | whatever you do. |