📞 The phone rings. On the other line, a recruiter from a company you applied to for THE job you’ve been coveting for months. After a brief chat, they propose scheduling an interview. You set up the appointment, exchange pleasantries, and hang up. Joy and excitement wash over you as you jump up and down, already looking forward to telling your loved ones. 😃 🍾
And then? Then panic sets in as you realize you’ll only have one chance to convince the interviewer, and you’ll need to nail it. 😬 The pressure mounts, doubt creeps in, and you wonder if it’d be better to just hide in your dwarf rabbit’s burrow than deal with all this stress. 😱 🆘
💡 If this sounds familiar, here are some tips to help you shine on interview day:
🔹 BREATHE deeply. It’s the best way to release pressure and keep a clear head. If needed, you can download free apps to use anytime, like my favorite Respirelax+. You can also find soothing music or guided meditations on YouTube.
🔹 PRACTICE over and over. Rehearse how you’ll introduce yourself and explain your background. Think about key words and concrete examples to illustrate your points. Practice in front of a friend or mirror until you feel more at ease.
🔹 PREPARE your outfit and materials. Choose professional yet comfortable clothes. Even for video interviews, physical appearance matters. Ensure your background is neutral (no personal objects/photos) and there will be no distracting noises or events.
🔹 ANTICIPATE potential issues. Traffic jams, canceled trains, unstable internet – anything can happen. Arrive early if needed, even waiting at a cafe beforehand. For video calls, log on a few minutes early to troubleshoot. If an incident causes a delay, don’t panic – just notify the interviewer right away and stay focused.
🔹 BE PROUD of yourself. Your experiences, whether successes or failures, made you who you are today – and that’s a good thing! Don’t try to be the “perfect” candidate checking all the boxes with a flawless background. Own who you are, what you’ve done, how you experienced it, and show the recruiter how it’s now a strength you can offer the company.
🔹 POSITION yourself as an equal. The interview shouldn’t be a submission game. You’re not a “job seeker” but a “service provider.” The company needs you as much as you need them. If hired, it’s because you mutually chose each other.
🔹 VISUALIZE your success. The best way to achieve goals is to believe in them. Project yourself into the future with your manager, office, responsibilities and, most importantly, accomplishments. It’s not arrogance but positive thinking, which will help the interviewer envision you in the role too.
🙂 YOU’VE GOT THIS! 🤞
