by Amanda Leslie
Interviews and meetings can be nerve-racking! Nervousness is a natural response to important events, after all.
However, your nerves can hold you back, especially if you have not learned to handle them well. If you have a meeting or an interview coming, just breathe. Then, keep these few pointers in mind:
Do your research
Being well prepared can help relieve a bit of anxiety. Before you walk into a job interview, do your research on the position you’re applying for. Anticipate what kind of questions you will be asked and prepare answers. Discover more about the employer as well. If it’s a meeting, review the agenda or the topic to be discussed. Any kind of preparation can make you feel more confident because it will address any fears of the unknown.
Form a clear mental picture of success
Visualisation techniques are another way to overcome the jitters. Addicted 2 Success points out that visualisation has the power to turn dreams into reality, and famous stars like Jim Carrey have found their success doing just that. When you visualize an image of yourself in the future, it can serve as encouragement for you to do your best in an interview. Picture yourself walking into the room in a calm and confident manner. Imagine yourself answering each question with ease. When your mind focuses on an ideal scenario, it can help you achieve composure.
Be yourself
While first impressions matter, you should not try to act like someone you’re not – simply to impress the interviewer. This is because if you do get accepted, they will eventually find out about the real you anyway. So for example, don’t bother making any effort to sound like an extrovert when you’re an introvert. What you can do is to frame yourself in a way that interests the company. Harvard student Jessica Pointing shares an effective way to answer the common question, “Tell me about yourself.” Simply talk about some highlights from your resume, and briefly discuss why your skills would fit the role.
Understand that nerves are a good thing
It is totally normal to feel nervous before an important meeting or interview. Even successful people understand the feeling. Even after years of experience, UK celebrity Scarlett Moffatt admits that she still gets nervous before a live show. She shared, “I think nerves are good, it means you want to do well and want it to be a good show so long may the nerves continue!” So take it from celebrities like her and be at peace knowing that you are not the only one who feels anxious. Somehow, hearing other people’s experience with nerves can give you comfort and encourage you to get yourself out there. After all, you’re nervous about something when it’s important for you.
Give yourself a pat on the back.
Regardless of how an interview or meeting goes, give yourself props for getting through it. Don’t beat yourself up over instances where you feel you could have done better. Instead, adopt a positive mindset while waiting for the results. Of course, reality speaking, not all interviews will be a success. When this happens, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback as Career Tips to Go previously noted. This will help you refine your interview technique for next time. While it is such a cliche phrase, the key is still to never give up!
AUTHOR BIO: Amanda Leslie is an accomplished career coach who lends her sound advice to websites from time to time. She has been supporting the life goals of her clients in Manchester for over six years.
Karen Adamedes is an experienced executive, author and career-tipster. In her most recent book ‘Professional in Pajamas: 101 Tips for Working from Home’ Karen shares many of the insights she has gained during a decade of working from home, where she has negotiated multi-million dollar deals, led national teams and delivered major projects. She does admit to sometimes working in her pajamas.
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, regards.