Job interviews spike your anxiety. You may be anxious about your need for the job, the impression you make, the expectations of the company, the salary and benefits on offer, and your fitness for the role. All of that anxiety can quickly undermine the great impression your professionally written resume made–the resume that helped you win the interview.
To counteract that anxiety, try these techniques:
- Read over your resume. As you review your own history, your resume will energize you as you realize the knowledge, experience, and skill you have accomplished over the years. It is easy to forget how much you have contributed to past employers. So as you read, make a note of the achievements you are most proud of, whether they appear in the resume or not, and also of the hurdles you overcame. Both achievements and hurdles are likely to come up in job interviews.
- Rehearse your answers. On line you will find list after list of common interview questions. Choose a few of the most relevant to your industry and position and rehearse the answers ahead of time. If possible, ask someone to play the role of interviewer. As you answer, refer to your resume to make sure you incorporate some of the keywords your interviewer will expect to hear.
- Reread the job posting and search the company website. The job posting and the company website are packed with information about the requirements of the job, the relative value they place on each requirement, the skills the company is looking for, and the company’s culture. Remember that an interview goes two ways: while the company checks you out, you should check for alignment between the job posting, the website, what you observe and hear during the interview, and your own expectations and needs.
- Rehearse your questions. The job posting and company website are also primary sources for asking good question. Good questions give an interviewer confidence in your knowledge about the industry, company, and job. They also give you insight into the company so that you can make an informed decision about whether this job is right for you. Your resume may exactly match the job, but the job itself must match the career path, work/life balance, working conditions, boss, and coworkers you are looking for. For example, how does the company define “partially remote,” “unlimited vacation,” or “occasional travel”?
- Take regular, deep, slow breaths. They are proven to reduce anxiety. You might also give yourself a boost with a lucky charm, a new outfit (make sure it is comfortable before the interview day), or the encouragement of a trusted family member, friend, coach, or mentor. Then re-read your resume again! You have got this.
Robin’s Resumes® provides resume writing, job search advice, and coaching services to job seekers at every level from recent college graduate to CEO and board member. Let us help you.