Be Prepared For the Exchange
Doing extensive research before going for an interview is a great stress reliever. Try to find out as much as you can about the company, its market, and its competitors. Check the company’s website and its social media accounts.
You should also review your resume carefully and ask yourself whether any questions may be asked about what is in it, especially for customer assistant jobs. For instance, if you have got gaps in your resume, you need to prepare clear answers so that you will not be caught off guard and babble or feel embarrassed. Don’t ignore anything while you review your resume.
Practice Answering 3 Main Questions
These 3 questions are: who am I beyond my CV? Why do I want this job? And why this company? Ask yourself these 3 questions and practice answering them either in front of the mirror or with a person you trust. This will help you avoid stumbling over words or dealing with awkward silences when you are asked any of these questions.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s sleep before an interview will help you become focused and alert during your interview. As such, it is good to ensure that your bedroom is sleep-friendly. One of the best ways to make your bedroom ideal for sleep is to make it dark enough for quality sleep using shutters or blackout curtains. There should also be no noise in the bedroom.
Wear ear plugs if necessary. Also, go to bed early so that you can get at least an 8-hour sleep and wake up feeling good. Avoid eating or doing any sport at least 2 hours before bedtime and avoid stimulants like alcohol and coffee as they may make it hard for you to fall asleep. Read a magazine or a book in the evening to take your mind off the interview.
Plan Your Journey Ahead of Time
Looking at the logistics in advance will give you peace of mind before and during the interview. You can do this earlier or the day before.
Give yourself leeway in case of any transport delays, traffic disruptions or parking problems. Planning your journey ahead of time will also give you time to relax with a cold or hot drink before the interview.
Otherwise, you could end up rushing and arrive drenched in sweat with a dry mouth in case the journey does not go as expected. Worse still, you could be late for the interview. If this happens, you are likely to feel uncomfortable as you will off to a bad start with your potential employer.
Wear the Right Clothes
Look for clothes that match the company’s dress code and style. However, you should be careful when selecting clothes to wear as your discomfort will be obvious when you wear clothes that are too tight or when you dress like someone you are not. The best clothes to wear are those that make you feel confident.
For instance, if you are applying for a position at a bank and you believe that wearing a suit is a must, wear one that reflects your personality, makes you feel comfortable and makes you feel more confident. If you are applying to a small start-up with a relaxed ethos, you may not wear a tie or high heels. Wear clothes that you find comfortable and do not overlook the details.
Take a Deep Breath
If you arrive and feel like your heart is racing, take a few deep breaths to help you feel relaxed. Focus on your breath. Breathe in for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of one, breathe out for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of one and repeat this until you feel relaxed.
Drink a glass of water and avoid any stimulants like coffee. Remember that anxiety and nervousness can make it hard for you to answer questions well during the interview. So, it is good to deal with a racing heart as soon as possible before the interview.