How to Build Self Confidence 15 Minutes Before an Interview

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By admiller
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self-confidence

Congratulations, you have an interview. You want to make a good first impression and you want to land the job. Taking the advice of friends, books, and internet resources, you have arrived 15 minutes early. Sitting in the car collecting your thoughts before an interview is valuable time that should not be wasted. What is the best way to use it? Follow the steps below to use the15 minutes before an interview to build self confidence and go into the meeting fully prepared.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

play music

Sensory Check. It's time to get mentally prepared. Find a good radio station or have a power song selected ahead of time and turn up the volume. You want to get the blood flowing and the adrenaline charged. Try blasting the air conditioner. Cold, crisp air will awaken the senses.
Step 2

review documents

Document Check. Make sure you have everything you need before the interview. If you forgot something, don't sweat it. It's better to know before going into the building than to look ill-prepared inside. Check your folder for resumes, your list of questions to ask, applications, notepad, pens, references, and transcripts. Be able to easily access these things without fumbling through your briefcase or portfolio. Use them only as needed. Look over the job description one last time so that the specific job qualifications are fresh in your mind. Now is also a good time to turn off that cell phone.
Step 3

prepare mentally

Self Check. This is no time for self-doubt. All thoughts should be positive. Have a list of your successes ready to glance over to remind you of how great you really are. Quickly counteract any negative self-talk with positive statements. Don't feel bad about the negative thoughts, just think of some positive ones instead. This is a time to feel good about yourself so that you will project confidence in the interview. If you are plagued by chronic self-doubt, fake it till you make it. Act the part of confidence and you will soon find it is no longer an act.
Step 4

practice sales pitch

Sales Pitch Check. Practice your 25 second sales pitch one last time. You are going into the job interview to sell yourself. Be ready to present a positive professional attitude. Companies are looking for: a willingness to learn, an ability to be an active team member, knowledge of the relevant job skills, an organized thought process, and the ability to communicate well. Review this list and find ways to communicate each of these points during the interview.
Step 5

visualize success

Mental Check. Great athletes visualize their accomplishments before actually performing them. Use this tactic before the interview. Visualize yourself shaking hands, making eye contact, remembering names, smiling, being comfortable and professional. If you think it, it will happen.
Step 6

restroom stop

Restroom Check. Head into the building and stop in the restroom for one last appearance check. Make sure buttons are buttoned correctly and you don't have food stuck in your teeth. Don't forget to smile! Wash your hands and use a lot of soap. All employees in the building use this restroom and this soap. By using the same soap, you will smell like you belong. It's a subconscious thing, but it works.
Step 7

interview time

Time to Perform. It's interview time. If you have followed the steps above, you will feel fully prepared and confident. Go to the reception area and introduce yourself. Remember the receptionist's name and use it on the way out. You've done everything you can to prepare, and now it is time to perform. Have fun, be confident, and be the best you possible.