Things You'll Need:
- qualifications for desired position
- open mind
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Step 1
Schedule several interviews. Instead of "putting all your eggs in one basket," schedule several interviews at once, preferably with the interviews at your second and third choices first. This will not only get you some practice before you go to your first choice interview, but will also make you calmer at each and every one. At each interview, you can tell yourself you have two other interviews, so you'll feel less pressure to perform on that one in particular. This will make you more relaxed at each interview, and you never know, you may end up deciding that you prefer a job at the second or third choice company.
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Step 2
Think of each interview as a 2-way dialogue. You are also evaluating the company. It's not just them evaluating you. Your goal isn't to sell yourself (you already know that you are highly capable and employable and have lots of job opportunities you could consider)... Your goal is to find out whether you are a "good fit" for the company and they are a "good fit" for you. They should get what they want by hiring you and you should get what you want from working there. If either one if those criteria aren't met, it's not a match. It must be a "win-win" on both sides. You have the opportunity to walk away from a job offer if it does not offer what you desire. The interview is much less pressure if you focus on finding out whether there is a "good fit" rather than on hoping you'll be "accepted" rather than "rejected."
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Step 3
Role play. Ask a friend to interview you first. If you practice with a friend, the words will come out easily when you are talking with an interviewer. If your friend asks some tough questions, that is even better preparation.
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Step 4
Do the interviews! Now that you have the right perspective on interviewing, you are ready to schedule and complete your job interview. Remember your Ps and Qs - dress nice, show up early, smile and be polite. You can do it!
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Step 5
Start working (if hired). If you are offered a position that is a "good fit" for you and the employer, follow through on the paperwork, and begin working! If not...
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Step 6
Assume the best. If you are not hired, realize that you shouldn't ever feel "rejected." There are a good percentage of ads placed for positions that are not TRULY open to the public because an internal candidate is already favored. You would never know that. But assume that's what happened if you aren't offered a job you want. And move on to the next opportunity.
