Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
Interview Anxiety!! How To Combat It Successfully…
As a professional recruiter who has been working and recruiting professionals in the environmental, engineering and construction industries for over 18 years now at Webuild Staffing, I have seen and talked with many candidates that have lost job opportunities because of interview anxiety..
Having some anxiousness or anxiety before an interview is always a good thing; it means you are truly interested in working for and leaving a good impression with the firm you are interviewing with. When this anxiety rises to a level where your communication skills and overall health prevent you from advancing in your career or obtaining a new career opportunity; it’s time to take a look at why this is occurring and find a solution to your anxiety.
Most employers want their employees to exhibit confidence, strength and provide an excellent service to their clients; when you are interviewing for a job you always want to show your abilities to handle stress and portray a professional image. When you place to much stress on yourself to get the job in an interview setting you may find your job search beginning to spiral out of control.
So here are some tips to keep your stress and anxiety under control;
(1) Prepare and do your homework on the company you are interviewing with. Learn about their products, services, corporate culture, the job you are interviewing for, who you will be interviewing with and make a list of questions you can ask.
(2) Practice interviewing. Practicing interviewing will make you more comfortable in an interview setting. Rehearse typical questions you may be asked in the interview. Ask a friend to interview you or use a video camera to interview yourself; knowing how it feels to be interviewed will greatly relieve the stress in a real interview setting.
(3) Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Practice talking about yourself.
(4) Visit the interview site the day before your interview; so you don’t get lost looking for it right before your interview. See what people are wearing
(5) Prepare you clothes the night before. Wear clean, properly fitting clothing that fits the environment in which you will be interviewing.
(6) Get enough sleep the night before; do not go to an interview looking tired and worn-out. Eat a good breakfast the day of the interview.
(7) Arrive to the interview 10 to 15 minutes early.
(8) Consider the interview a two way conversation; this is not an interrogation. During the interview focus your attention on the interviewer, ask questions and think about your answers. If necessary pause a few seconds to think about what you are going to say first.
(9) Bring examples of your work with you; having visual aids always helps to presenting your experience to an interviewer. Show off your hard work, celebrate the success you have had.
Utilizing these simple tips will help combat your interview anxiety and succeed in obtaining your next career opportunity.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com