However, there are ways you can feel more relaxed and
prepared for interviews, and increase your chances of
getting that job or promotion that you’re going for.

Here are 10 tips to help you approach a job interview more
confidently and increase your chances of success. They don’t
appear in any particular order as everyone needs to improve
in different areas, but there is something here to help
everyone who has ever been nervous about a job interview…
and who of us hasn’t!

1. Treat each interview as special

As was already mentioned you should approach each job
interview as a new experience. Each interview requires you
to sell yourself and your skills differently. An interview
is about finding out if you are a good fit for a job, so you
should not try to parrot answers you rehearsed months ago
for another job.

Being well prepared for each interview will help minimize
your stress and increase your chances of landing that
perfect job.

2. Do your homework

Part of interview preparation is in knowing something about
the company you will be interviewing with. It also means
knowing at least the name and the position of the person who
will be interviewing you.

Knowing the job description of the position you are being
interviewed for is another important part of your interview
preparation. If don’t already know this information you can
get it by going online to the company’s website or by making
a phone call to their human resources department.

There is one question every interviewer asks during the
interview. That question is:

“Why do you want to work for this company?”

The question may not be asked exactly like this, but
something like it will be asked. If you have researched the
company it will make it much easier to answer questions like
this without having to figure it out at last minute and
you’ll also feel more confident.

3. Make time for interview practice

Once you have the information concerning the company and the
job position you are applying for you can develop some
anticipatory practice questions you might think you will be
asked in the actual interview. After making a list of these
questions you can then begin practicing answering them in
front of a mirror or in a mock interview.

Ask a friend or family member to help you with the mock
interview. Also, many school career centers are a great
resource for interviewing help. Your local library may have
employment videos that you can check out and watch from the
convenience of your home.

The point is to take advantage of as many resources as
possible to help you sharpen your interviewing skills.

4. Dress the part

The day before your interview select the clothing you are
going to wear to the interview. As you get ready to go to
your interview make sure that your clothing is appropriate
for the type of company you will be interviewing with.

Men should wear a nice pair of slacks with a dress shirt and
tie, or a suit. Women can wear either a skirt or slacks with
a decent blouse.

Both men and women should not dress provocatively or
outlandishly, or with an excessive amount of jewelry. If you
are going to wear jewelry keep it simple.

5. Take what you need to the interview

You will want to bring copies of your resume to the
interview to give to the interviewer, even if you had
submitted one with your application. Your resume should be
neat, clean and professional looking.

Also, take along a pen and pad of paper to take notes. Doing
these things demonstrates your sincere interest in obtaining
the position.

6. Be punctual

Make every possible effort to arrive to your interview on
time; in fact, be there a little early. Never be late.

If you show up to the interview late you just told the
employer that you are not punctual and will be late to work.
If you are going to be late you need to have a very good
reason then call the employer to explain the reason in
advance and see if you can reschedule the interview.

7. Stay calm

During the interview stay calm and answer questions in an
even and friendly tone of voice, expressing what you know
about the company and how your skills can enhance and
benefit the company.

As the interviewer is speaking demonstrate interest in what
they are saying, keeping eye contact while they talk. Never
let your eyes wonder around the room as this will show a
lack of interest in not only the position, but the
interviewer as well.

8. Sit comfortably

You don’t want to slouch in the chair at your interview, but
you do need to be comfortable. Try and sit up straight,
right back in your chair and take a few good, deep breaths.

This posture will not only make you look calm and in
control; it will help to make you feel this way too.

9. Ask questions

You don’t give over all control in an interview: at least,
you shouldn’t! An interview should also be about finding out
whether you want to work within in this company and do the
job you are being interviewed for. It may seem quite a
different place once you are actually there, so you want to
find out what the place is really like.

Also, asking questions like this will impress your
interviewer. It will make you appear interested and
intelligent and also willing to learn and to listen to
people. Realizing that you also have the right to ask
questions at your interview should help you stay calm.

10. Closing the interview

As the interviewer brings the interview to a close let them
know that you appreciate the opportunity to have received
the interview and restate your interest in the position you
were interviewed for. Leave the interviewer with a positive
impression of you and you will feel that reflected back at
you.

You will feel much happier as you leave the interview room.

These tips are tried and tested ways to approach a job
interview more comfortably. If you prepare for your
interview well, and realize that your world will not end if
you don’t get this job, and also that you have the right to
refuse the job, even if it is offered to you, you should feel
much better about going through the interview process.

Be calm, friendly and open. The interview is not threat to
who you really are. There will be other jobs if you don’t
get this one and it may not be a job you would be happy in.

Approaching the job interview in a more detached and
rational and less emotional way, will help you to feel calm,
and that will mean you are much more likely to do well at
the interview.

Job interview confidence is achievable simply use all ten tips!