| The Job Interview Pep Talk: How to Psych Yourself | | | | too far to this side. You may honestly be wondering if |
| Up Before the Big Day | | | | this company deserves your talent and dedication. But |
| | | | don't let arrogance rear its ugly head during your |
| So you've decided to take the plunge and start hunting | | | | interview. Stay down to earth, be gracious, answer |
| for a new job. This takes courage, so congratulations | | | | questions as honestly and objectively as you can. |
| on being willing to step out there! One of the next | | | | Speak highly of your achievements but without being |
| hurdles in navigating your personal career path is the | | | | condescending! Be grateful for the chance to sell |
| job interview. Maybe interviews are old hat for you; | | | | yourself and balance that with the intent to determine if |
| maybe you're fresh out of school and are just learning | | | | this company and position is a fit for you. |
| the protocol. Either way, consider this article a mini | | | | Reason 4: I have something to offer. |
| refresher course and pep talk to get you going! Below | | | | If you're in a cutting edge field (like technology) or at a |
| are a few thoughts to file under "Why I Don't Need to | | | | highly advanced skill level, realize what a hot |
| be Nervous on Interview Day." | | | | commodity you are right now. To help you validate this |
| Reason 1: I am not desperate for this job. | | | | point, do a little research of the job market. Try some |
| Many people approach the job interview with the | | | | creative career mind benders where you take stock |
| mindset of "I MUST land this job or else." This is a nice | | | | of all your skills and then write down areas where they |
| way to push the Instant Panic button and set yourself | | | | can be put to productive use. Then, instead of being |
| up to fail. The fact is, you have no idea what the job | | | | nervous about the possibility of rejection, approach |
| entails, what your future boss will be like or whether | | | | with an attitude of, "How can I present myself in the |
| this company has anything to offer you. It may be the | | | | best possible light? What strategy can I take to ensure |
| career opportunity of a lifetime, but it may not be, and | | | | I get the salary I desire?" |
| you won't know for sure until you get there. So ditch | | | | Once you realize that a job interview is nothing to get |
| the desperation, take a deep breath, and just feel | | | | worked up over, cement your self-confidence and |
| honored that someone liked your career profile enough | | | | develop a "go get 'em!" approach. Do a personal |
| to pick you over the next candidate. It's looking good | | | | assessment of everything you've accomplished over |
| for you so far. | | | | the course of your career to date. Even if you're new |
| Reason 2: I have other options. | | | | to the workforce and have only an internship to work |
| Sometimes we have a tendency to jump at the first | | | | with, make the most of what you do have. Go over |
| hint of a new job on the horizon. "Someone wants to | | | | those letters of recommendation to see what you can |
| hire me... I'd better take it before my options dry up!" | | | | include in your resume and mention in the interview. |
| Remember that if you don't get chosen (or decide to | | | | Count any and all awards you have received. Dredge |
| accept) this job, chances are slim to none that you'll | | | | up old thank-you notes that clients may have sent. |
| end up destitute. There are tons of jobs available on | | | | Bonus prep tip: Pull out those old files and take a look |
| the major job sites like Keep your eyes pealed for | | | | at your work performance reviews from the past. |
| new job postings in the local and nearby metropolitan | | | | Where do you excel? Which areas are your |
| newspapers. You can also find part-time income or | | | | strongest? Make a mental note of these, then practice |
| freelance work by combing the internet classifieds - | | | | how you will work this information into whatever |
| try Craigslist.org. And if you're in a layoff situation, you | | | | questions you are asked in the interview. Remember, it |
| likely have some severance or unemployment to tide | | | | is okay to answer an interview question in a way that |
| you over in the job search interim. So relax. Everything | | | | reflects your best qualities, as long as you are still being |
| is going to be okay. Know you can and will find | | | | honest. |
| something that works for you. | | | | Now - are you ready to knock their socks off with |
| Reason 3: I want to make sure the company is good | | | | your tireless work ethic, great attitude, talent, skills and |
| enough for ME! | | | | perseverance? I know you can do this. It's an interview |
| How many people do you think approach their | | | | - it's no big deal. Now go out there and take the |
| interviews with an attitude of, "Is this company worthy | | | | professional world by storm! |
| of my caliber of work?" and "Is this position a fit for | | | | Copyright 2007 Hallie Crawford and Authentically |
| me?" These are legitimate questions and things to | | | | Speaking. All rights reserved. |
| consider. However, watch out that the scales don't dip | | | | |