Job Interview Nerves

[Roobunny]

Help! I have a job interview in an hour and I'm going completely mad with nerves (it's not even that great a job). Does anyone have any suggestions(preferably helpful) to how I can relax and not lose myself in a total babble at the interview?

I should point out the main interviewer has been likened to an alsatian and is likely to ask totally unrelated questions...

 

[carn_the_nmfc]

Help! I have a job interview in an hour and I'm going completely mad with nerves (it's not even that great a job). Does anyone have any suggestions(preferably helpful) to how I can relax and not lose myself in a total babble at the interview?

I should point out the main interviewer has been likened to an alsatian and is likely to ask totally unrelated questions...

Relax and don't be shy
Oh and good luck

 

[Ari]

 

[Ari]

Some "DOs" and "DON'Ts

Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

If presented with an application, do fill it out neatly and completely. Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.

Do greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it. Give the appearance of energy as you walk. Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer.

Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good communicator.

Do look a prospective employer in the eye while speaking.

Do follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can apply your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.

Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc.

Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.

Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of being further considered. If you are not interested, your responsiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.

Don't forget to bring a copy of your resume! Keep several copies in your briefcase if you are afraid you will forget.

Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum.

Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation.

Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.

Don't make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.

Don't over-answer questions. And if the interviewer steers the conversation into politics or controversial issues, try to do more listening than speaking since this could be a sensitive situation.

Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc., on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you've earned but that you're more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary.

Be Prepared to Answer Such Questions As...
Tell me about yourself?
Tell me about your background, accomplishments?
What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
How would you describe your most recent job performance?
What interests you about our company?
How do you stay professionally current?
What outside activities are most significant to your personal development?

And, be prepared to ASK questions, such as...
What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
What are the greatest challenges in this position?
How do you think I fit the position?
Remember a lack of questions may be mistaken as a lack of interest.
Not letting these kinds of subjects catch you off-guard is a key factor in maintaining your composure during an interview. Rehearse these questions and answers in your mind (or even out loud, if you can) in the days before the interview.



Negative Factors Evaluated by An Interviewer

Personal appearance which is less than professional.
Overbearing, overaggressive or egotistical behavior.
No positive purpose.
Lack of interest and enthusiasm -- passive and indifferent.
Lack of confidence and poise; nervousness.
Overemphasis on compensation.
Evasiveness; making excuses for unfavorable factors in work history.
Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.
Condemnation of past employers, managers, projects or technologies.
Inability to maintain a conversation.
Lack of commitment to fill the position at hand.
Failure to ask questions about the position.
Persistent attitude of "What can you do for me?"
Lack of preparation for interview -- failure to get information about the company, resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.

 

[Mog]

And if none of that works, remember; if you can't dazzle then with brilliance baffle them with bull********. Sounding like you know what you're talking about is just as good as actually knowing what you're talking about.

 

[Roobunny]

And if none of that works, remember; if you can't dazzle then with brilliance baffle them with bull********. Sounding like you know what you're talking about is just as good as actually knowing what you're talking about.

I'm much better at lying about how wonderful I am than actually being wonderful! Plus I work for the government it's all about bull****

 

[Weaver]

When they ask you if you have any questions you have to have at least one. My fall back is to ask the interviewer (who is normally going to be your boss) what they like about the job / company / industry. Then you get to agree with them

I also think it helps to remember that 90% of the interview is not about your answers, experience or skills. It is about them finding out whether you are the kind of person they want to work with. You wouldn't have gotten an interview at all if your resume didn't show you had the right background. If you and them don't hit it off then nothing to get fussed about, you probably would have ended up hated working for them anyone.

 

[skipper kelly]

Help! I have a job interview in an hour and I'm going completely mad with nerves (it's not even that great a job). Does anyone have any suggestions(preferably helpful) to how I can relax and not lose myself in a total babble at the interview?

I should point out the main interviewer has been likened to an alsatian and is likely to ask totally unrelated questions...

masturbate furiously before you go in. will release all your built up tensions.

 

[Ari]

When they ask you if you have any questions you have to have at least one. My fall back is to ask the interviewer (who is normally going to be your boss) what they like about the job / company / industry. Then you get to agree with them

Disagree with that, nobody wants a 'yes man'.

I also think it helps to remember that 90% of the interview is not about your answers, experience or skills. It is about them finding out whether you are the kind of person they want to work with.

Hit the nail on the head there! Quite often they dont care what you say, it's about how you say it and the enthusiasm and bright fluffy nature you have.

 

[Ghostwriter]

Wear a low cut top.

 

[Weaver]

Disagree with that, nobody wants a 'yes man'.

Everyone wants a yes man, you just have to be subtle.

If they say they enjoy their job because it is challenging and rewarding, then you can talk about how you like challenges. If they like their company because it has a friendly atmosphere you talk about how it is important to you to work somewhere where you can be happy.

 

[Swarbs]

go get a makeover, goodlooking people have a slightly higher chance of getting hired

 

[Mog]

I'm much better at lying about how wonderful I am than actually being wonderful! Plus I work for the government it's all about bull****

That's where I honed my bull******** muscles...

 

[Thewlis Dish]

Don't wear a fake moustache, unless your potential boss is a homosexual. Then wear a fake moustache.

 

[silky-smooth]

Don't bring beer to a job interview.

 

[Ari]

Don't bring beer to a job interview.

Thats not true, if you brought beer to a job interview with me.... you're hired

 

[- PC -]

bugger just noticed the time you posted..well hope it went well

 

[silky-smooth]

Thats not true, if you brought beer to a job interview with me.... you're hired

Well... if that's the case, I'll bring all the beer I can.

 

[Leper]

masturbate furiously before you go in. will release all your built up tensions.

Something about Mary!!!

Assuming with a name like RooBunny you are female and if the employer is a man, tell them you left your last job because you were shagging the boss.

If you are male, DON'T tell him it's because you were shagging the boss' 15yo daughter.

 

[Mog]

"Where do you see yourself in ten years time?"

Don't say doing your wife, don't say doing your wife.

"Doing your... son".

 

[Thewlis Dish]

"Where do you see yourself in ten years time?"

Don't say doing your wife, don't say doing your wife.

"Doing your... son".

Ah Peter Griffin, eases the pain.

 

[Nic]

I find that not applying for jobs really gets rid of any interview insecurities.

 

[Ari]

I find that not applying for jobs really gets rid of any interview insecurities.

Slacker

 

[Mog]

I find that not applying for jobs really gets rid of any interview insecurities.

Haven't found one yet? Well, always remember the suggestions I gave you...

 

[dr nick]

Some "DOs" and "DON'Ts

Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

If presented with an application, do fill it out neatly and completely. Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.

Do greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it. Give the appearance of energy as you walk. Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer.


etc

etc

etc.

This is all gold Ari - shame i can only nominate one of your posts for musashi per month