Five Ways to Overcome
Job Interview Jitters

Job interviews make everyone nervous,
but you can overcome your jitters with these tips.

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 up. 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!

According to the State of Michigan's interviewing guide, there are a number of things that can be done prior to the interview which will make the job interview go smoother, thus reducing job interview jitters to a minimum.

Here is their list: "Before the Interview"

  • Review the Job Specification and Position Description.
  • Learn more about the [job and] department by visiting their web page.
  • Review your resume and be prepared to discuss your relevant skills.
  • Decide who your references are. They should be a current or past supervisor, coworker, teacher/professor or associate who has knowledge of your work history, skills, abilities, accomplishments, initiative, education and integrity. Get permission to use their name in advance and collect their current contact information (including e-mail address).
  • Bring extra copies of your resume and a notebook.
  • Dress for Success - Appearance should reflect maturity and self-confidence. Be neat, clean, and dress in good taste.
  • Find out where the interview will be, obtain clear directions, and confirm the time. Plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early.

Their guide can be found here: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/interview_26251_7.pdf

Part of making a good impression means being relaxed and confident and this comes from being prepared, knowing you look your best and understanding you are capable of doing the job for which you are applying. Make every effort to prepare for your next job interview and you will feel successful before you ever set foot inside the prospective employer's door.

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Additional Job Interview Q&A; Info

For even more information about job interview questions and how to answer them, consider the "Job Interview Success System."

One of the 5 key components of this system is a 31-page report entitled "How to Give Job-Winning Answers to Interview Questions." In addition to giving more tips and strategies on general answering techniques, it lists 45 of the easiest, toughest, silliest and most common job interview questions as well as how to respond to them.



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