Five Ways to Overcome
Job Interview Jitters

It's natural to be nervous during a job interview. It's a lot like stage fright, and many of today's best and most experienced performers still get it when they step into the spotlight.

The trick is to control your nervousness and prevent it from affecting your performance.

You just need to psyche yourself out. By that I mean force yourself to think of the interview process as something different and less stressful.

Here are five ways to do that:

1. Think of the interview as just a conversation between you and someone you just met... someone you like.

2. Think of the person interviewing you as an equal, not a superior. Remain respectful, courteous and professional, but don't think of yourself as inferior.

3. Think of yourself as a valuable, talented person whom any company would be lucky to have on their payroll. They need you as much as you need them.

4. Think of the interviewers as being just as nervous. Perhaps they've never interviewed anyone before.

5. Think of the job as just one of many opportunities. You want to be enthusiastic and assure the hiring manager that you want the position, but convince yourself that it's not the end of the world if you don't get it. It may not have been right for you anyway. There will be more opportunities.

Above all, remember that "Preparation and Practice Precede Peak Performance." When you’re confident and well prepared, you’ll be less nervous. And more likely to win the job!