Submitted by Guided Staffing on
"You should never be nervous about an interview because it's not a test. It's a two-way conversation. You’re trying to figure out if you want to work there, and they're trying to figure out if you would fit in there. And if you wouldn't, then why would you want to work there anyway?"
Here are 5 things you should do in the 15 minutes before a job interview:
1. Stay calm.
When you become stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Depending on the level of your stress, these can slightly or greatly inhibit your ability to think clearly. In addition, you are better able to think how you can best present your accomplishments in alignment with what is important to the interviewer — and being calm also demonstrates your ability to deal with stressful situations.
2. Arrive early, but don’t go inside.
Few things can shake you more than running late to an interview, so always arrive early. But be sure to wait in your car or a nearby café, as being too early can place unnecessary pressure on your interviewer and start the meeting off on the wrong foot. Rita Friedman, a Philadelphia-based career coach, says you shouldn't walk into the office building more than 10 minutes early. "It can come across as an imposition, as if you are expecting the interviewer to drop whatever he or she is doing to attend to you."
3. Decide on one or two things you want to be remembered for.
Is it your communications skills? Project management skills? Knowledge? Keying in on a few things that will impact your memorability and like-ability is a smart way to approach the interview.
4. Stop rehearsing.
You don't want to use this time to over-prepare or rehearse responses, which can make your conversation seem scripted and inauthentic. You want to know your stuff, but remember your interview is a conversation. Trust that you know what you know, and that the interview will take on a flow of its own.
5. Focus on your posture.
Sit in a power pose while waiting to go in for your job interview. You'll come across as looking more confident and poised.