🤝Big interview this week?

Whether it’s a first with HR or a final with the CEO or Area Managing Partner, make sure you are prepared for all situations. 💡

Job interviews can be stressful, and it’s normal to feel nervous. How about this one –  what if you freeze up or draw a blank during the interview? Here are a few tips to help you stay calm and collected:

1) (Pre interview) Practice. 📝 The more you practice answering interview questions, the less likely you are to freeze up. You can practice by yourself or with your recruiter or career coach. Remember the 5 P’s! Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

2) Take a deep breath. 🫁 This will help you relax and clear your head.

3) Ask for clarification. ❓ If you don’t understand the question, don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat it or rephrase it. Perhaps you’re struggling with the context of the question. Don’t hesitate to shift the context slightly if that helps.

4) Take your time. ⏳ Don’t feel like you have to answer the question right away. Take a few seconds to think before you speak. Consider the question and the context.

5) Brainstorm. 💡 If you’re really stuck, brainstorm some possible answers to the question. This will help you get your thoughts in order and give a more comprehensive answer. It’s entirely possible the interviewer wasn’t certain where they were going with the question in the first place.

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. The interviewer just wants to see how you handle pressure. So stay calm, take your time, and do your best.

Here are some additional tips to help you stay calm and collected during a job interview:

A) Dress professionally. 👔 This will help you feel more confident and in control. You never get a second chance to make that first impression.

B) Arrive early. ⌚ This will give you time to relax and collect your thoughts before the interview. Not “Florida early” (5 minutes late), rather – “old school early” – 15 minutes ahead of the meeting time.

C) Smile. 😊 This will help you appear friendly and approachable.

Make eye contact. 👀 This will show that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation.

D) Be positive. 👍 This will show that you have a good attitude and a welcome addition to the company culture.

Just a big picture interview primer here. If you need help prepping, drop me a note or give me a call! Good luck!!

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