Interview tips
Let’s face it nearly everyone gets nervous about an interview. Try to remember that you have already got through the first stage and they actually want to meet you so they must already think you have potential to do the job. They also want to see the best side of you and to see if you will be a fit for the company.
Don't speak too fast
Nerves tend to make us speed up, so while you're waiting for your interview, breathe in through your nose very slowly for a count of three. Then breathe out through your nose for a count of six. Repeat this three times. That should take you a total of 27 seconds. In that time you will have significantly lowered your heart rate and when you speak, you'll find you won't rush.
Stop yourself shaking
Simply squeeze your thigh muscles. It's almost physically impossible to have shaky hands if your thigh muscles are clenched. This technique will help you feel and appear more confident and your clothes will completely mask your actions.
Stand up while you wait
You will often be shown into a boardroom before an interview and offered a seat while you wait. Don't take it. You don't want their first impression of you to be struggling up out of a chair, so stay standing. You'll look more confident if you are on their level as you first meet them.
Find your best sitting position
Don’t trust the back of a chair. You can easily end up leaning too far back which can tighten your throat. Sit upright on your chair as you’ll look and feel more dynamic if you sit in this position.
Show your hands
It has been proved that we are much more likely to get a job if we have our hands visible on the table in front of us rather than hiding our under the table as showing our hands is a sign of honesty.
Make the other person feel special
Many people try too hard in a job interview and come across as arrogant or over-confident. We have all been bored by other people going on about themselves without being the slightest bit interested in us. Remember to ask questions and be genuinely interested in the reply. Obviously it's important to look keen and passionate about the job on offer but try not to simply blow your own trumpet too much.
Listen
When we're crippled with fear and in full flight or fight mode, we find it hard to listen and often answer the wrong question. So try to slow down your body's natural responses and listen as it will also help to make the other person feel special and show you value their question.
Use your own voice
Try to use your own voice rather than putting on a formal public speaking voice. Often this is as simple as not speaking too loudly, try to speak as if you were talking with a group of friends.
Be yourselfh4>
If we are being ourselves when meeting other people we will come across as relaxed, authentic and confident. Try to use words you usually use.
So try to enjoy the interview and be proud of your achievements as you're already on the shortlist so they must think pretty highly of you already. Remember to slow down, listen and be yourself. If you do that you'll come across as relaxed, authentic and confident.
