How to Be Comfortable During an Interview

Remaining calm can make an interview more comfortable.

Looking for a new job can come with its own share of stresses, and if you feel uncomfortable during an interview, you may be less able to sell yourself as the ideal candidate. Luckily, there are a number of ways to be comfortable during an interview that start in the relaxed atmosphere of your own home and take you through the interview. Whether you're not confident in your own abilities or simply feel awkward talking with strangers, there are ways to help yourself secure a new job.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. Make a list of the attributes you offer, breaking them down into categories. Your categories can include your passion for the job, your skills and knowledge, leadership abilities, problem solving, professionalism, management style and people skills, accomplishments, your motivations and work ethic, as well as your career aspirations.

2. Study your own list so you feel comfortable with the information you have and can recite your best qualities without having to think about them first. Say this information aloud or rehearse it in front of family members or friends.

3. Practice mock interviews with your family or friends playing the part of an interviewer. Keep yourself calm as you clearly answer their questions with confidence. Continue practicing with family until you feel comfortable talking about yourself.

4. Apply for jobs you don't want or volunteer positions to give you experience citing the qualifications to a stranger and getting the feel for an interview. This will allow you to focus on your performance without pressure or worrying about getting the job or volunteer position.

5. Research the employers you are interested in to familiarize yourself with the company's mission and how you can best help them. Reminding yourself of what the company needs, rather than focusing on yourself, can make the interview more comfortable.

6. Visualize your perfect interview in your mind by imagining yourself as comfortable and confident. Picture yourself speaking easily with the interviewer and finishing strong. This can be done at home daily as well as in the parking lot before your interview.

7. Take deep breaths as you wait for your interview in a lobby or office. Once in the interview, sit back in your chair and place your hands in your lap to avoid showing shaking hands. Continue to take relaxed, deep breaths during the interview to calm yourself, if needed.

8. Keep in mind throughout the interview that while the interviewer represents the company you want to work for, he is an employee as well and may have as much experience in giving interviews as you have in being interviewed.

Tips & Warnings

• Wearing clothes that are suitable for the job as well as comfortable can help put you at ease during the interview.

References

• "Job Interviews for Dummies"; Joyce Lain Kennedy; 2011
• "The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook"; Martin M. Anthony PhD; 2010
• "Adams Job Interview Almanac"; Adams Media; 2005