No-stress Interviews

It is common to be nervous or anxious before a job interview, but when candidates let stress overcome them, the results could be disastrous. Prepare yourself to present your skills and experience professionally, as well as with the confidence needed to ensure a no-stress interview is on the horizon.

Candidates who are calm and relaxed are able to reveal their true personalities during a job interview, explains Seattle-based career coach Lisa Quast. Avoid getting distracted or overcome by the jitters by getting your workplace stress under control.

Your preparation is the key to guaranteeing a no-stress job interview. Eliminate any factors that can increase your stress level, such as traffic that puts you behind or disorganization that prompts you to forget important documents you need during the interview. Allow yourself additional time to get to the interview location, verify the address with the hiring manager or through an online search of the company, and use GPS to find routes that are less populated during high-traffic times of the day. Some candidates even opt to do a dry run a day or two before the interview.

Keep your schedule open the day of the interview to ensure that you are not preoccupied about daily commitments when discussing your skills and experience with the potential employer. Prepare your mind and body for the job interview to reduce stress. Use the restroom before you arrive at the company site, and turn off your cellphone to avoid distractions.

Build up your confidence by practicing interview questions to reduce workplace stress once you arrive. Seek out common interview questions, and rehearse what you want to say. Avoid crafting scripted responses; instead, highlight key facts, details and accomplishments you want to reveal. Participate in a mock interview with a colleague or trusted friend to gain feedback on how you present yourself and answer difficult questions.

Arm yourself with information about the company prior to the job interview. Research the company's standing within the industry so that you can discuss noteworthy accomplishments. Think about how you would fit in with the company culture and how you could impact the company's productivity and success. Share this information with the interviewer to show that you have put in the time and effort to seek out why the position is an ideal match for both you and the company. Candidates who are prepared and knowledgeable about what they want to say exude confidence during an interview, which is impressive to hiring managers.

Seek out strategies to reduce your stress when preparing for a job interview. Take deep breaths, eliminate distractions, and show your passion for the industry and the job itself. Hiring managers expect job candidates to be nervous, but don't let your anxiety outshine your professionalism to ensure that you make a good impression.

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