I hated interviewing.
At least, I strongly disliked the way it made me feel. I was overwhelmed by self-doubt and nerves no matter how qualified or prepared I actually was.
I don’t claim to be an expert interviewee; however, I recently managed to gain a better sense of control over my mind and body. There were four job opportunities that I recently wanted more than anything and I was able to secure two of them.
Interviewing is an important and unavoidable part of our impending working adult lives, so I’ve compiled a list of my favorite hacks from interviewing this past summer:
PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS
I had my first experience with multiple interviews during a recruitment process this summer. Whether I got the job or not, I went in smiling, knowledgeable about the company, and prepared for a variety of questions.
From tests to interviews, I know how stressful it can feel to not know what you’ll be asked. However, with every interview that you enter with a positive attitude, you’ll undoubtedly leave feeling more assured. Confidence is by no means easy, but you can continue to build it. Use rejection or mistakes as a trampoline to another opportunity. Ask your recruiter what you could’ve done better. Don’t be too hard on yourself, even when you’ve given it your all.
PREPARE AND REHEARSE ANSWERS
Sure enough, the first question in my last interview was the dreaded “Tell me about yourself.” However, having evaluated sample answers to the most common interview questions through ~LinkedIn Premium~ and carefully crafted my own within a master Google Doc, some of the pressure was taken off. You don’t need to memorize your answers but aim to prepare enough to produce responses you are proud of.
POWER POSE
Before interviews that I’m most nervous for, I will strike a power pose by taking up as much space in the room as possible — legs apart, back straight, hands-on hips. This helps me view difficult situations as opportunities, by being bigger than my nerves or other intrusive thoughts. Practicing this posture will also help you not to slouch, close yourself up, or become “smaller” during the interview itself.
You can do anything you set your mind to. You are valid. Take up space.
BECOME A STORYTELLER
Your interviewer wants you to succeed and to get to know you. Instead of focusing on your shortcomings, turn every potential negative into a positive by reflecting and demonstrating your desire to grow and learn. Brainstorm and add to your own master Google Doc with formative experiences you’ve had in the workplace, classroom, or volunteer organization. Whatever your story is, your interviewer wants to hear it.
FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT
You are so qualified! You just have to learn how to present yourself in such a way. So try the above steps in preparation for the interview and then give yourself a pep talk in the mirror. Write something positive on a sticky note and stick it on the wall above your computer. Wipe the anxious frown off your face and replace it with a genuine smile by dancing wildly to your favorite song. You got this!