Can you PLEASE help me calm down and offer any words of wisdom for my job interview tomorrow?

Question

I'm petrified. I've been lucky my past jobs in terms of longevity so I haven't had many interviews. However the two I went on yesterday were awful - I stuttered a little, nervous as heck, couldn't form my thoughts correctly, had a few uncomfortable pauses, etc. Even though I'm considered a bright, competent, well-liked person ...and am great at what I do (office manager) - interviewing is a form of torture for me. Please help. Anything! I very, very much want this job that I am going for tomorrow.

Answer 1

You've got to relax. Remember, this interview can only go one of two ways, either you get the job or you don't. You know you're good at what you do and would be a good employee for them so now it's up to you to sell yourself and let them know how good you are. I have every confidence in you. Good luck.

Answer 2

First of all, I agree with the other answers about the need to relax. The way you are able to relax is to prepare for this interview. Here are my suggestions:

Be sure to dress professionally. Knowing you look good helps to boost your confidence.

Arrive early but not too early. When I interviewed people about 10 minutes early is great - they had time to fill out the application and still started the interview right on time.

Be confident when you meet the interviewer. Smile and make eye contact when you shake his/her hand. Think of something to break the ice in the interview - the weather, for example - say you're glad it's warmed up nicely or you're glad it stopped snowing. Don't say too much, just a few words to warm things up.

Prepare for the questions you know are usually asked in an interview - why do you want to work here; why are you looking for a new job; where do you see yourself in five years; what are your strengths; what are your weaknesses. Also prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer - for example: what is your background; how long have you been with the company; what would be my main duties and responsibilities; what goals would you set for me in my first six months; why is this position open; how long has this position been open; does the company have any plans for expansion. Here's a link with some more information on interview questions: http://www.onlinecareerinfo.com/the-standard-interview-questions.

If you are interested in this position, don't be shy - tell the person you want it. Say something like "I like what I've heard today and am really interested in this position. What is the next step in your process?"

Be sure to send a thank you note after the interview to anyone you met during the interview.

I would also suggest you do some visualization. Visualize yourself in the interview, prepared for the questions and answering them competently and confidently.

Finally realize this: the company likes your skill set and what you have to offer professionally or they would not have called you in for an interview. What you need to do is some preparation for your interview, relax and be yourself. That is what will get you hired.

Good luck - I hope it goes well for you and you get this job if you want it!

Answer 3

View it as an informational interview, lose the idea that you really want the job, because that's what causes all of the anxiety. Actually, the best way to GET a job it to conduct the "informational interview," that is, you're just trying to get information about the nature of the job in a scenario when you don't actually need the job or in fact don't even know if you WANT to work there. In that mode, when you are not in fact actually trying to get a specific job, but simply trying to learn something while at the same time make yourself known to an individual who actually hires people, YOU DON"T ACTUALLY ASK FOR THE JOB. You aren't in this mode in this case, so definately ask for the job, let them know you want the job at the end of the interview. But the other part of the equation might work for you. If you can lose that mindset that you're trying to outperform others, that you have to perform at some level of expectation in order to grab the job, you might be able to fix your mind right and come across more relaxed and confident. My fear for you in this case is, the fact that you are acknowledging you are "petrified." You can't do well with that mindset. Look, you don't even know that you would actually like this job, so relax, go in as if you could get it or not get it and it isn't particularly relevant, you are just exploring an opportunity...they might not like you, you might not like them, you don't care either way, it just is what it is. Because if you can't relax and change your mindset this is gonna be a tough one for you to grab.

Answer 4

I have interviewed many candidates for positions in my company I work for, and the best I can offer is to relax and be yourself.

It is so important to be early, at least 20 minutes. However, don't be earlier than 30 minutes, which is my recommendation. Being early allows you to relax and go over possible interview questions to yourself beforehand.

Let the interview be more of a 'conversation' rather than an 'interview'. This way, you can talk about your accomplishments with confidence.

Remember to bring at least three or four copies of your resume.

Let the interviewers know that you are the candidate for the position by being confident and sharp with your answers. Also, be sure to ask them questions about their company.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I always felt more secure when I researched the background of the company. It helped me to understand their focus, and what they expected from their employees, generally. Review your past positions, and assess, honestly, where you excelled, and what you perceive you need to improve on. Don't act desperate, don't be patronizing, and be honest. Talk to yourself. Create a scenario, mentally, where you become the person who is interviewing you, and you. Ask yourself what you would want to determine if you were the interviewer. Prioritize your abilities, and take a deep breath. If you don't get the position, then you were probably perceived as the lesser qualified of the candidates. Think about your responses before you present them.

Answer 6

You can turn it around by asking the questions of the interviewer. As if you were the one in control. Research everything you can about the company so that you sound informed. Act interested but not desperate, as if you don't really need the position.

Answer 7

Act as if you've already gotten the job. Research the company and ask challenging questions. Be positive and have a sense of humor too! Humor helps fight those nervous feelings.

Answer 8

Start early enough, so you don't have to rush. If you have plenty of time, and don't have to hurry, that will help. Either sit in your car, or stand outside the door, and take a deep breath. Relax, and think to yourself, "I'm going to get this one". Good luck. This is a tough time of year. Relax.

Answer 9

Hi,Just be yourself.Don't worry about things you have no control of.The person you're going to see Tomorrow is who you're just going to meet.She /He Can't give you or take something from you.You know who has that power.Don't forget your life plans dreams are already spoken for. If you get what I mean.Relax !! Good Luck.I think you'll get this job if you want it ?