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8 Job Interview Tips: Stress Free Interview Prep

The key to being successful at interviews is a high degree of self confidence which often comes from thorough interview prep and good interview tips. Most of us face this challenge at some point in our lives. Job interviews are high stress situations where even the most seasoned professionals can experience panic, shyness and fear.

Fear of Job Interviews

Not only do we have to conquer our fears and actually make it through the door. But even once we’re at the table our stress response often works against us. Combatting our ‘fight or flight’ response well enough to ensure we can communicate confidently and effectively is a real challenge. The signs are easily recognised – sweaty palms, fidgeting, tight chest, dry throat, stuttering and inability to focus.

Fortunately there are things that can help us with clarity of thought, persuasive speech and effective communication. As well as building rapport and appearing confident and capable. These are all things that help us succeed at interviews. 

So what can we can do to overcome the fear of interviews and ensure we perform at our best?

Job Interview Success

Firstly, it’s all about changing your mindset. Hypnotherapy works by helping us reprogram our minds by building positive visualisations and expectations. By preparing for interviews in this way, you can enter feeling confident, prepared and positive. A skilled hypnotherapist will help you understand your fears and improve your ability to feel safe and calm,. This allows you to connect with your interviewers and present yourself well.

Job Interview Tips

1. Preparing – Nerves are only made worse when we feel underprepared. Making sure you research the company and the people you’re meeting calms the mind. Unnecessary stress is avoided if you know exactly where you’re going. Finding out beforehand who you’re meeting and what you can talk about, will improve your confidence. Try researching the people on LinkedIn so you know a little about their professional history. 

2. Practising – Spend time reading about a company and writing out prepared answers. Under stress, speaking out loud can be tricky and we stumble over our words. Practise a few answers out loud and get used to speaking clearly. 

3. Empathy – People who have conducted interviews themselves are often more successful . This is because when its there turn to be interviewed they are feeling more mentally prepared. And in touch with the feelings of the interviewers. They want you to succeed .Some are nervous themselves. Picture yourself as one of the interviewers – what would you want to hear?

4. Staying calm beforehand –  Especially important if your interview is towards the end of the day. Don’t let nerves take hold. Spend some time reading your notes. Then put them away and relax. You might try yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or light exercise. Listen to some uplifting or relaxing music. Repeat positive affirmations to yourself. Arrive at the interview with plenty of time to avoid any unnecessary stress.

5. Positive visualisation – Before your interview, visualise yourself arriving, feeling comfortable and confident. See yourself answering the questions well and enjoying the experience. Teach your mind to expect you to succeed, rather than fearing failure.

6. Being rational – It’s easy for us to let our emotions take hold when we feel uneasy or threatened. Try to take a step back and think clearly. What is the worst that can happen? You might not get the job. But then you’ll go on your way continuing with your life. With this is mind, what is there to be nervous about? You may as well give it everything you can. Perhaps view it as practice for future interviews to relieve some pressure.                                                                                                                                         

7. Focus and breathe – When you’re in the interview stay focused .Try not to skip ahead, thinking about the offer or rejection call. Be mindful and present in the moment, Listen carefully. Answer honestly and authentically. It maybe a challenge but breathing deeply will help you in an interview. You’ll come across as more controlled and confident. You will speak more clearly, smile more and build better rapport.

8. Interview the interviewers – Interviews aren’t just an opportunity for you to be tested. Asking questions to determine whether this is the right opportunity for you will give you authority. When interviewers see you as confident and asking relevant questions it presents you in a positive light. Believing in your own self-worth will work in your favour. 

It might help to imagine yourself as the interviewer. What would you like to hear from a potential employee?

Further Help with Interview Preparation

I help many clients prepare for and succeed at job interviews. I have a popular clinic right in the heart of London near Regent’s Park, the perfect place to relax. Or, if you prefer I can offer online sessions at your convenience. If interview stress is something that you struggle with why not consider what hypnotherapy or coaching could offer you?

To learn more please do get in touch.

Further Reading on Interviews & Work

5 Ways to Overcome A Fear of Being Judged

Overcome a Fear of Changing Jobs

How to make a good impression at work

10 Ways to Get a Promotion at Work

Public Speaking Tips – 10 Helpful Steps

How To Be More Confident Speaking at Meetings

Alix Needham

My techniques guarantee that you remain in control at every session. These techniques, developed over 25 years, are so effective that many issues can be addressed in as little as three sessions and my location in the very heart of London means you can book sessions to work around work.

Interview Tips And Interview Prep Made Easy
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