So, you got the call for the interview that you have been waiting months for. After the initial woohoo-ing and rush to call your best mate, the anxiety starts to build up. It is perfectly natural to be anxious, and whilst you cannot get rid of it all, you can learn how to control it, so that you can give your best at the interview and get the job!
Do your homework
Hopefully you would have researched the company before applying, so that you understand the position you are vying for. After being selected, you should have some more understanding and should make an effort to find more relevant information. The more familiar you are with the organization, the more comfortable you will feel during the interview. Plus you will gain an edge when the dreaded ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ question is asked. If you have some idea of how the company works, you can ask specific questions and impress your potential employers!
Practice, but don’t overdo it
Make a list of potential questions that you might be asked, and practice answering them in front of a friend or a mirror. Don’t memorize your responses; that will be too obvious. Be comfortable and include some of your accomplishments and specific examples, such as how you improved a situation at your previous office.
Logistics
The night before the interview, prepare your interview clothes, polish your shoes or give your nails a manicure. In addition to saving time on the morning of the interview, this is a great way to curb your anxiety. Arrange all your important documents in a neat file. Go to bed early and rise earlier than usual to prevent rushing. If your interview is scheduled to be at 10 am, try be there at least half an hour before, so you have time to settle down and adjust to your surroundings.
The actual interview
Stay calm. If you have practiced your answers and done your research on the company, then the hard part is over. You will have unexpected questions, but the key is to stay calm and think clearly.
