Today’s Career Tuesday comes from Aisha M. Taylor, MPA is the Co-Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade.
“I have great skills, a quality education, and excellent experience. But interviews make me nauseous. I’m always nervous, my palms sweat, and I can never get the right words out. Please help me before I bomb another interview!”
– Intimidated by Interviews
Interviewing is perhaps the second most important aspect of your job search (your resume being #1 of course). The key to achieving your career goals is really in your ability to communicate well in an interview. This knowledge is probably why you are nervous during interviews. But you are not alone! Many qualified professionals struggle with their performance when interviewing for a job. Elevated anxiety and fear of the unknown is probably what causes the most frustration. This is due largely to the fact that you never know what to expect when you walk into those doors. The personality and persistence of the interviewer can cause for either a pleasant or a dreadful interview experience. But interviewing can be to your advantage if you approach it with confidence, assurance, and, poise. Consider the 3 P’s when preparing for your next interview.
Be Prepared!
Candidates often don’t perform well on their interviews because they aren’t adequately prepared. They wake up late, rush to the location, and sit down just in time for their name to be called. But, the best way to ace any interview is to be overly prepared. Research the company or organization by visiting their website, conducting a Google search, and reaching out to those in your network who may have worked with them in the past. Practice your answers to typical interview questions. Even though you can’t possibly know every question that will be asked, prepare by strategizing how you will respond to any question that is posed. And of course, dress for success. Determine what you’re going to wear in advance; try it on to be sure that it still fits; and if necessary, have it dry cleaned in advance. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’re wearing, it will show during your interview. Remember to keep it solid, sophisticated, and simple. Solid dark colors, professional attire, and simple accessories are always a winning combination.
Be Prompt!
As a rule of thumb, you should always arrive at least 15 minutes early for any interview. If you know you tend to be tardy for the party, you should set the bar at 30 minutes. If the interview is in an unfamiliar location, take the trip on an earlier day around the same time that your interview is scheduled. This will allow you to accurately estimate how long it will take you to get there. You NEVER want to be late for an interview. Remember, how you perform during your interview is usually an indication to employers of your work ethic and overall personality. So, don’t immediately discredit yourself by being late.
Be Prayerful!
Regardless of what your personal religious affiliation may be, it is always wise to tap into that higher power that gives you peace and tranquility during stressful times. Though you may be a nervous wreck, the reality is that you have what it takes to ace any interview. With calmness comes confidence. And with confidence comes character. So, spend some time in prayer and meditation leading up to the big moment. Take some deep breaths, repeat your favorite scripture, or hum your favorite inspirational song. Always trust that whatever the results are, you’ll ultimately end up right where you’re supposed to be. When you walk out that door, you’ll be able to rest in knowing that you’ve done your very best…and that’s all that anyone could really ask for.
Aisha M. Taylor, MPA is the Co-Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade ~ Professional Career Consulting (www.careertaylormade.com). TAYLORmade specializes in expert resume and cover letter writing, interview training, career coaching, and career development. Follow us on Twitter @realTAYLORmade.
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