Arleen Bradley Career Coaching

When you are invited to an interview, this is your one shot to impress the employer that you are the best candidate for the position.  You have heard and read that preparing for your interview takes work.  You must do research on the company, practice answering questions, dress appropriately and have a great attitude. 

But there are some things you must do to be at your best when you interview.  One thing you can do is interview at the time of the day you are at your best.  It wouldn’t be a good idea to interview first thing in the morning if you aren’t a morning person.  You may not be allowed to choose the time of day, but if you are, pick a time when you are at your best.

Another thing you can do is get plenty of rest the night before.  It won’t matter if you a morning person or something else, if you arrive at the interview sleep deprived.  The answers you prepared won’t be as crisp and sharp.  Sensitive to caffeine?  Avoid it the night before and any other foods that cause you to lose sleep.

On the day of your interview, eat breakfast.  Even if you are nervous having something in your stomach is much better than an empty stomach.  Avoid sugar and carbohydrates that will cause a sugar spike then a crash that leaves you tired.  Lean protein and fruit are your best choices.  Lean protein takes longer to digest and will keep you sated longer. 

Learn how to calm yourself.  A great way is through guided imagery.  Guided imagery can help you relax.  With practice, you will be able to relax quickly and easily.  This skill will not only help you while waiting for your interview, but for many of life’s stressful moments.   Deep breathing using your abdomen can be done anywhere at any time.  It will calm you down while waiting to be interviewed.

And finally, remain positive.  Doing so puts you in a better frame of mind when meeting your interviewer.  The interviewer is looking for someone who is energetic and enthused about the position.  If you go into the interview thinking you won’t get the job, you won’t put all your effort into the interview.  You will come across as angry, sad, or desperate-opposite of what you want to be.

When your mind and body are well prepared for the interview, you have a much better chance to sell yourself to the interviewer.  The interview is a single elimination process.  In order to progress to the next round, you have to ace this round.