“Managing stress during a job interview: tips and techniques”
A job interview can be a stressful experience for many candidates.
However, there are tips and techniques for managing this stress and approaching the interview with confidence and calm.
Preparation: find out about the company and the people you are going to meet, analyze the job description and anticipate the questions so that you feel more confident during the interview. Keep in mind your relevant achievements and the key projects you wish to highlight in relation to the role. Adapt what you say and the level of detail you provide according to the background of the person you are meeting. Careful preparation is essential to gain confidence. You can also benefit from personalized interview preparation with the Impact Interview service from Candidate Impact, to help you feel more confident at the day of the 'real' interview.
Logistics:
Face-to-face interview: arrive at the interview early enough to avoid the stress of being late. Use the extra time to relax and concentrate. If you have the opportunity, find out the location of the office beforehand or make sure you have the contact details of someone you can contact if you have trouble finding the site. Bring a copy of your CV, a notepad and a pen, and any documents you may need for presentations or technical tests when requested (USB key, charged laptop, etc.). If you feel nervous before the interview, take a few moments to breathe deeply. Deep breathing calms the nerves and reduces stress.
Remote interview: whether by videoconference or phone, make sure that the device you are using is charged enough. Test your internet/network connection - there's nothing more unpleasant for you and the person you're talking to than being constantly interrupted. Also test your equipment (microphone, camera), workplace environment and lighting. Turn off your notifications so as not to be disturbed.
Have a positive attitude: Visualize yourself answering the questions with confidence. Replace negative thoughts with ones that focus on your past successes. Adopt an open and confident posture, make eye contact and smile. This will not only influence your posture and attitude at the interview and reduce your own stress, but will also have a positive influence on the recruiters' perception. Whatever the outcome, treat this interview as an opportunity for professional growth.
Managing your composure when faced with a difficult question: when you're faced with a difficult question that you don't know how to answer, keep calm. Take time to think and ask for clarification if necessary. Don't hesitate to use your transferable skills to respond positively. Think of this experience as a learning opportunity for future interviews.
Encourage discussion: make sure you are present by taking part in the questions asked, in order to initiate a dialogue rather than an interrogatory. Take advantage of each subject to bounce back and ask for clarification or further details if necessary. Bear in mind that an interview is a win-win situation and you need to know whether the job is right for you. This is the time to get answers to the questions you have. To do this, prepare some questions in advance, and if they haven't been addressed during the interview, don't hesitate to ask them to your interviewer before closing the interview. This will also demonstrate your interest in the job and the company.
Every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow. By applying these tips, you will be better equipped to deal with stress and approach the interview with confidence and self-assurance.
Contact Candidate Impact to prepare yourself effectively for the big day.
contact@candidateimpact.com
+41 22 506 85 62
