Being mentally prepared for an interview is just as important as wearing the right clothes. How we feel on the inside reflects on our performance during an interview. So, it’s important we do everything we can so we feel really confident and positive about an interview.
- Prepare! Make sure you have done your research on the organisation, the role and how you will get to the interview. Being prepared will instantly make you feel more relaxed and in control, which will increase your confidence.
- Nerves get the better of everyone at times, but it’s important to remain calm and in control. Take deep regular breaths, think positively and answer questions clearly. Get plenty of sleep the night before, and make sure you’re hydrated and nourished.
- Think before you speak! Just take an extra moment to stop and think before answering a question. When we get nervous we tend to talk too quickly or too much and lose focus of the question being asked. That little pause before answering a question can give you the chance to gather your thoughts, which can make all the difference when answering a question.
- Positive mental attitude! It’s really important to think positively even if you are a bag of nerves. Don’t go in to an interview with the attitude that you will never get the job. You have to think: ‘I’m going in to this interview because they are interested in finding out more about me’. Think of an interview as a bonus rather than torture. It’s simple. If you think positively, the interviewer will have a positive impression of you.
