Tips to Stay Calm, Cool, and Collected During an Interview
Career Development
- Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! Research the company: mission, values, recent projects, competitors, and products. The more you know about the company (and the position), the more comfortable you’ll be in responding to questions.
- Eliminate stressors before the interview. Print copies of your resume ahead of time. Have your interview clothes cleaned and pressed days before. Map out the route to the interview location and be aware of traffic patterns around the area and time of day.
- Outline points you would like to make about your resume and experience. Think about your strengths and what you can bring to the organization. Recognize any gaps or weaknesses in your resume and prepare an address them. Conduct a practice interview beforehand with a friend, advisor, or mentor.
- Arrive early to the interview so that you will have time to relax.
- Imagine the interview as a conversation. The hiring manager is trying to get to know you and you are trying to understand more about him/her and the company.
- Be positive and confident. Remember someone at the company was already impressed by your resume and thought you would be a good fit. Focus on your strengths to combat feelings of doubt in your qualifications.
- Maintain good posture. Try to eliminate fidgeting even if you are nervous inside. Breathe and take your time.
- Smile. It will help you relax, feel confident and put the other person at ease. Often, the interview is nervous about how you will perceive them as well.
- Acknowledge it’s normal to be nervous. Don’t stress about the fact that you’re feeling stressed.
- Accept that you’ll make mistakes. The hiring manager isn’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for an individual who is flexible and excited about the opportunity to be with the company.
- Remember there are other jobs out there. By not making this job the end of the road, you eliminate added pressure and allow yourself room to be you.
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