Scared to Death of Job Interviews! Now what?
Posted on November 07, 2013 by julie woodworker-Hubbs, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Job interviews can be nerve racking.
Job interviews can be nerve racking. We are told: “Try to think of the interviewers as ordinary people who are just like us.” The difference is they have jobs, and we want a job. Then we are told, “Don’t come across as desperate.” How does a person not come across as desperate? The truth is many people are desperate when trying to get a job or find a better job. Most people go to an interview at some time in their lives. Why? It is because employers want a chance to get to know their applicants. Of course they want to know if the applicant has the necessary job skills for the position, but more importantly they want to be assured the person they are hiring will be a good fit with their organization. For example, employers will be asking themselves:“Is the applicant easy to talk to?”
“Did the applicant arrive on time for the interview?”
“Did the applicant come across as cocky?”
“Is the applicant confident?”
“Can the applicant look me in the eye?”
“Did the applicant actually listen to what was being asked and then answer the question?”
“Did the applicant come prepared?”
“Is the applicant dressed properly?”
In addition to determining if the job seeker has the much needed job skills, many employers are looking for people who are: polite, well mannered, hardworking, and easy to be around. They want people who will represent their organization in a positive way.
I have been on many interview panels and have listened to hundreds of applicants. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being authentic. In other words be yourself!
Besides being yourself, be sure to stress your strengths and positive attributes. Many people fail to do this because they feel they are bragging. This is not bragging. You are providing important information the employer needs to make an informed decision on who to hire. For example, if you are a hard worker who arrives at work 15 minutes early, then say so. If you are attending night school to acquire extra skills and knowledge, then be sure to let the interviewer know this. If you have particular skills that you feel are applicable to the job you are applying for, do not fail to say so.
Dress appropriately for your interview which means one level up from the job you are applying for.
Use good manners and always be polite.
Maintain good eye contact and have a good handshake.
Show confidence not arrogance.
Cover up tattoos.
Turn your cell phone off. This does not mean put it on vibrate.
Be positive.
Listen to and answer the questions being asked.
Research the organization and the position you are applying for.
Rehearse what you want to say.
ALWAYS be yourself.
Believe there is a job out there for you.
Don’t quit!
