It's natural to be nervous during a job interview. Being put on the spot to answer impromptu and unexpected questions by a panel of interviewers is very nerve-wracking.
Rarely an interview candidate know what questions the interviewers will ask of them. Knowing that responses to interview questions can make or break a candidate's chances of being offered the role can be just too much to deal with for some.
When candidates find themselves nervous during a job interview, they may not answer correctly and even have mind-blanks.
As an experienced and qualified interview coach and careers specialist at Client Centric Executive Employment Solutions, I see this happen to my clients all the time. For this very reason, I deliver interview skills coaching to candidates all over Australia (actually anywhere in the world) to help them become more confident, capable and ready to face their next interview.
Do you have a job interview coming up? Are you feeling nervous about it? Here are my top 10 tips on how you can manage your nerves during a job interview:
1. Have a glass of water with you during the interview. When you need to take a break, have a breather or compile your thoughts, take a sip of water (doesn't have to be sparkling, although that would be nice).
2. Receive interview coaching from me to prepare for your next interview. The session runs for an hour and a half. It will consist of a mock-interview set up, as well as a discussion on the role, your experience. We will also cover standard, role-specific and behavioural questions. Learn more about our interview coaching service by clicking here to visit the relevant page.
3, When asked a question that you weren't expecting, to gather your thoughts together and compose yourself, I suggest re-wording the question back to them before you give a proper answer.
4. Don't rush your answers.
5. Don't rush to respond. Take a couple of seconds to think about the question. All too often, I see candidates immediately answering the question without thinking it through. It's okay to think about the question for a brief moment.
6. When answering behavioural questions, structure your answer. Give an example using the STAR format.
7. Do as much research on the company before your interview. Research the organisation as much as possible.
8. Research the role (read and digest the job description) before your interview.
9 Have a good think about your strengths and what makes you a great candidate - again, do this before your interview.
10. Have a good night's rest before the day of your interview and make sure you arrive 10 minutes early to compose yourself.
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