OVERCOMING INTERVIEW NERVES
Feeling nervous before and during an interview is totally normal—we’ve all had those moments when we walked out with massive armpit stains lol😉. Since interviews are all about making a lasting impression, it’s essential to learn how to manage those nerves effectively. Throughout my career, I've conducted numerous interviews and seen firsthand how nerves can affect a candidate’s performance. Below are a few of my top interview preparation tips to help you navigate those nerves and ace your next interview.
Titles Don’t Mean Anything: Remember that the hiring managers you’ll be meeting with are just people, too, with fancy titles. Titles don’t define their worth or your ability to connect with them. They lead normal lives, just like us. Don’t let a title intimidate you!
Take Up Space: Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and speak slowly. Embrace your presence and don’t be afraid to step into your power. Remind yourself that you were selected for this interview for a reason—you deserve to be there. This body language can help project confidence and ease your nerves.
Show Up Ten Minutes Early: Arriving early for an interview is always a good idea. It gives you time to get situated and feel comfortable in your surroundings.
Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage: Look up the individuals you’ll be meeting with on LinkedIn - we all do it right? Look for common ground, such as shared interests, mutual connections, or similar educational backgrounds. Having a few ice breakers can create a more relaxed atmosphere during the interview and help you build rapport during the interview. Building a genuine connection with the interviewer can make you truly memorable! While interviews often focus on your skill set, education, and experience, what really sets you apart is how personable you are. Remember, an interview isn’t just about assessing your qualifications; it’s also about determining if you’re a good fit for the company’s culture.
Practice and Research: Prepare thoughtful responses to potential interview questions and conduct research on the company to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
I hope you find some of these tips helpful! If you’re looking for additional support, I offer tailored services to help you prepare for interviews, refine your skills, and boost your confidence. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at info@ophenticcoaching.com or book a free discovery call.