Preparing For A Job Interview

If you’re preparing for a job interview, you might feel nervous and worried, or a bit rusty, depending on your last interview. Here are a few tips to help calm your nerves:

• Write down your concerns

Writing down your top worries or fears about what could go wrong is an effective tool for managing interview anxiety, and an effective way to prepare the right data/tools. Quickly jot down the worst-case scenarios or your worst fears. Now, what can you do to prevent them from coming true? Some things can’t be controlled such as other people’s reactions or the outcome, but many can be mitigated or risks lessened. For example, if you’re worried your internet may fail for an online interview, ask a friend with more solid internet if you can interview at their house. 

• Ensure you have support

Find a friend, colleague, or mentor who can help run through possible questions and answers with you. Failing that, videoing yourself is a great idea! If you want interview coaching, get in touch and we can help one-on-one.

• Find a calming technique

How have you been able to calm your nerves in other scenarios? Could those work in this situation? Are there micro-comforts you could use to relax you in the moment? Perhaps you find being in nature calming (like most people). Going for a walk 15 minutes before the interview could be beneficial. Maybe you always reviewed your notes in vet school in a certain way before a test- can you apply that here?

• Body language and breathing

Notice your breathing and body language as you prepare, and in the interview. Slowing your breathing, and sitting tall with your shoulders back can be incredibly helpful to remaining calm and keeping your voice cadence appropriate.

• Prepare!

This should be obvious, but preparing reduces your nerves because it reduces the risk that you’ll be asked something you don’t know. It’s important to prepare adequately for the type of interview you have at hand and have appropriate examples in your back pocket.

If you’d like help with preparing for a big interview, check out our Interview Mini Course. Alternatively, if you want direct support, sign up for our 1:1 Interview prep coaching session.