Succeeding at Job Interviews
Confidence and preparation are the keys

If you are anxious about going to a job interview, don't feel bad. You are definitely not alone. Most people suffer pre-interview jitters, concerns, and worries. Sitting down and telling yourself over and over that "it'll be okay," just doesn't help much with this kind of anxiety. But there are some things you can do that will help you calm down – and –succeed in your interview.

There is really just one area of focus for you, if you're about to go through a job interview process: preparation, which includes practice! Take your preparation and your practice seriously, and you'll fair well during the interview process. Just the fact that you are preparing puts you into a small percentage of interviewees. Statistically, only about 20% of the people going to job interviews will do any sort of preparation for the interview beyond printing out their resume.

Preparation will lead you to confidence, and confidence shows – and gets people jobs! Preparation (and rehearsal) works – really. So no matter how silly you might feel following some of the suggestions below, don't quit. Follow the suggestions and you'll be shocked by the difference it will make. It's really just about the basics of being human. We learn by repetition. If you took music lessons a as child, you know all about repetition leading to achievement.

Lastly, before the suggestions, hints, and tips, let's look at the levels of rehearsal that are possible. We'll start with the least potent, and work our way to the top:
1 – At the very least, you should sit at a table and rehearse from your notes by speaking aloud. After one or two runs, put away the notes.
2 – The next level is to do this in front of a mirror. Don't look at your notes – you won't be able to view them during the interview. Look into the mirror and observe what you see and hear. Is the person in the mirror someone you'd hire?
3 – Set up a video camera on a tripod and film yourself. Then watch the 'training' tapes, just like athletes, actors, and dancers do. This is an excellent method, and you will actually see yourself improving with each and every rehearsal session.
4 – This is the top-of-the-line. Have a friend interview you, while filming it. They should be easy with you at first, asking simple questions. But by the third filming they should actually try to trip you up and press you. "What was the last book you read?" "Who is your favorite movie director?" You never know exactly what an interviewer will ask you, so when you're asked something you don't know right off the top of your head, the way you handle yourself will be critical. Watch these tapes of your interviews, and use them to improve yourself and your techniques. Do this twenty times before any interview and you are all but assured of any position. You simply won't believe the difference in your ability between the first and last taping – and you will actually be able to SEE it.

• As silly as it may sound, have all of the basic facts about yourself down pat, and fully rehearsed. The list of basic facts includes your hobbies, education (including special courses or training you've had), your special interests, and your work experiences. When you rehearse these things, make some notes about yourself, and use them. The notes should include ways you can state these basics to show how they all combine to make you the ideal candidate.

During the interview you need to be sure to reinforce your written application. Try not to go off on tangents, stay on target. Use your notes to do this during your rehearsals. Lackluster presentations by interviewees don't get jobs. Be detailed, but don't meander on and on. Very specific examples of your past job accomplishments or experiences are excellent! Once again, present these things to show how they all conjoin to make you the ideal candidate.

• Enthusiasm doesn't just show – it's contagious! Ergo, be enthusiastic. It's often difficult for people to do this about themselves, but it will give you a big edge over the other candidates. Remember that there's a difference between enthusiasm and conceit. Be excited about yourself and what you have to offer, but don't exaggerate yourself. You know how you are when you get excited about something. That's what you want to happen to the interviewer. You want the interviewer to walk away excited about a candidate – knowing that the right person has been found! You also need to be enthusiastic about the position, and the company you are interviewing with. That means to do some research on the company you're interviewing with. Learn about the company. The Internet can help dramatically with this! You may even get asked questions about the company, so don't be shocked. Depending on the type of company, some things to check into would include: number of stores, product lines, number of years in business, stock value, company slogan and logo, top product or service, and anything else that pops up.

• Before the interview, spend time analyzing the job you are applying for, and how your skills and experience 'fit' that particular job. Each job requires a set of skills and/or experiences. Show how your work history, training, and personal experience qualify you. Spend some time on this one!

• First impressions are lasting and critical – with everyone in our lives. In the instance of a job interview, the "first impression" is the only impression the interviewer is going to have of you. In other words, put your best foot forward in appearance, and the way you introduce and present yourself. Introduce yourself in a clear voice – not too loud, but not so softly as to be perceived as lacking confidence. Maintain eye contact. Sit erectly in the chair. Don't slouch, or cross your legs, or lean back in a wholly relaxed manner. Do not appear forced in your posture, but pay attention to it. So, your appearance (combed hair, shined shoes, nice, ironed clothes), your vocal tone and volume, and your posture are all important. Make a good first impression, and you're practically home free.

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