I have an interview!

Published on August 20, 2004 By godsjewl In Business

I have a job interview today, I have put out hundreds of resumes & usually I get ignored, but I have an interview today - the bad thing is that I get really nervous and intimidated in interviews, does anyone have any tips?

Comments

JeremyG

on Aug 20, 2004

be yourself. Even if you dont think it's the right thing to do.

People easily pick up on it when you're not genuine.

citahellion

on Aug 20, 2004

Take deep breaths. Have a mental list of the things you want to get across about yourself. Remember, it's just a conversation, you don't need to treat it that differently than any other conversation you have.

Angloesque

on Aug 20, 2004

Ask lots of questions. Make a list in advance (I always forget what I'm going to ask).

Don't drink caffeinated beverages beforehand--if your heart is pounding anyway, no reasont to put it into overdrive.

And always go to the bathroom about 10 minutes before the interview.

If you're a girl (Ramona?) and this isn't too weird, talcum powder on your hands keeps them from sweating (just don't rub them on anything dark/black you're wearing). Ditto underarms.

Um, this is one tip I'm unsure of as I've yet to use it, but I hear it's okay to take notes in the interview, and if they ask you a question that you're not prepared to answer, say, "That's a good question. Let me think about it for a moment while we talk about other things" and then jot down a couple notes to prepare an answer. (I might've heard that here...?)

Good luck.

FreeMark

on Aug 20, 2004

I already responded in part to this on your other article...but noticed this cry for help too.

I think the advice of telling you not to be nervous is kind of foolish. That is like telling you not to breath. Of course you are going to be nervous. The important thing to do is to take steps to become comfortable. That entails being confident in yourself (which is difficult) and prepared.

One way to prepare is read and have answers for the question on this link: Link

You should also read everything you can about the company online so that you understand what you are getting into. This will allow you to converse naturally which will make you more comfortable. Plus it impresses the interviewers that you know something about what they do.

As I said before you want to get the interviewer(s) to a comfortable place as well as yourself. This, in my opinion, is not accomplished by asking a lot of questions but rather having a conversation. Conversation is the art you must employ to get the job. I have had people fire questions at me one after another and it doesn't come off well most of the time. If you are nervous that is what you are likely to do. Instead, ask a question...LISTEN...then respond. Even repeating part of the answer back to the interviewer helps because it shows you are listening.

In a sense I am saying have fun with it.

godsjewl

on Aug 20, 2004

I did have fun - I actually was not nervous, I was calm, I was professional, I was friendly and I was knowledgeable about the company. Because I had worked in this industry already so I actually found that I knew a little more than the interviewer. It was my best interview ever. There was no intimidation whatsoever and I have the feeling I am going to land this job. I don’t usually get that after the more awkward interviews I have had.

I had the right answer for every question, I admit at first when he walked in I was quite nervous but as time passed it was as if I had known him for years. I am going to meet with his business partner on Monday – I just know that all weekend his partner is going to be hearing about how perfect I am for the job.

I was getting so worried about finding a job, I have been looking for one since before I graduated in May, I actually started sending out resumes in January. I really hope I get this job – it’s perfect for me.

Angloesque

on Aug 20, 2004

Nice! I hope you get it, too.

FreeMark

on Aug 22, 2004

That's great news. Now, don't let anything the partnet does knock you back. You need to keep this feeling of confidence into the meeting and face it head on. You already know you are perfect for the job and the guy would be making a big mistake by not hiring you.

Congratulations...now seal the deal.

SSG Geezer

on Aug 22, 2004

Good job, and I hope you find the job appeals to you when you get it. (we believe!)

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