"Improve your Interview Style Learn to Manage Your Fears"
By Patricia Van Zandt

Reprinted with permission from www.asktheemployer.com

IMPROVE YOUR INTERVIEW STYLE Learn to Manage Your Fears

by: Patricia Van Zandt

If you think the nervous anticipation of an upcoming job interview ceases as you grow older - or that it somehow becomes easier the more times you do it, or even that the tension is reserved for only "entry-level" applicants - think again. Interviewing for a job can be one the most stressful experiences a person can endure - no matter if you're interviewing for a CEO or a cashier position. Fortunately, being armed with practical advice and a thorough prepping, the smart applicant can relieve unnecessary tension and maximize his or her interview power. According to a November 2000 survey conducted by Ask the Employer.com, 72% of those we polled agreed to experiencing one or more of the following reactions due to a scheduled interview: interrupted sleep pattern during the night before the interview, butterflies in the stomach as early as one day before, sweaty palms on the day of the interview or during, and a feeling of uneasiness, anxiety and anticipation before the actual session. According to our same survey, an applicants' lack of preparation for the actual interview - including uncertainty of what the interviewer will ask and fear the applicant will not respond desirably - was our respondent's number one concern, taking in 61% of the vote. Fear of rejection ranked second with 20%, followed by 6% who expressed concern the opening or company will not fulfill their needs, and 5% worry about pre-employment testing and poor reference checks. Eight percent worry about their interview but do not know why. "If a candidate who worries that they will ultimately be passed over for a better, or more qualified candidate, these thoughts of failure can take over any positive thoughts of success," says Elizabeth Chow, editor of the Career Finder's Guide, a supplement to Ask the Employer.com, an innovative E-mentoring and career advancement Web site. "Those feelings, combined with stress and sleepless nights, can leave a candidate feeling burned out, stressed out, overwhelmed and unprepared for the interview." If you want to interview your best, a candidate is wise to prepare and relax, says Chow. "The best way for a candidate to prepare to manage the interview process. By this, I mean, take control of the job interview by not allowing it to take control of you. If you can accomplish this, ultimately, you take control of your interview fears." Are you ready to manage your interview process? Ask the Employer has the tips you need to succeed. Here's how it can be done. Begin at the Beginning. From the moment you decided upon your career path, you should have started assembling a vast amount of knowledge relative to your field. Put your mind at ease before your interview by reviewing what you already know. Finding this comfort-level will not only help you to mentally prepare, but boost your level of confidence: 1. Re-familiarize yourself, if necessary, with work-appropriate jargon. 2. Mentally review your "personal marketing plan," (better known as your "Sell-my-skills-for-this-job"). This will help keep your emotions at an even keel. 3. Reassure yourself that you are a perfect fit for the job, and review the reasons why. Conduct an Honest Assessment. Asking yourself, "What do I want out of this job interview?" is the first step in taking control of the interviewing process. While this sounds simple enough, there is more to taking control rather than simply saying, "I want this job." Take control by asking yourself: Is this job something I really want, or am I going to continue searching for a better job? If necessary, am I willing to make sacrifices (such as relocating to another town, taking a cut in pay, working more hours) in order to secure this job opportunity? Does this position really fit into where I want to be both financially and professionally, in say, five years? Am I a good match for this businesses culture, and vice versa? Answering "yes" to questions such as these will help you prepare and manage your fears. A quick affirmation of your wants and desires makes an interviewer more confident. When you are sure this job opportunity is something you really want, working toward your goal will seem more natural. Know Your Expectations. Instead of saying, "I hope I get this job," or "This is my dream job," manage your expectations. Realize that "wishing" doesn't make something happen. Take a firm grasp on your reality. Tell yourself, "I am very interested in this job. I am a qualified candidate, and I am going to do as much as I can to land this job. If I don't get offered this job, I will keep on searching for an opportunity that is equal, if not better." Use Past Experiences. Be sure to remember what you learned in past job interviews and put those skills to good use. Past experiences can help you improve on future job interviews. If you are a first-time interviewee, ask a friend to relay his or her interviewing experiences. By managing your expectations: realize you should not to expect a job offer immediately after your first interview. Many companies conduct three to four interviews before extending a job offer. Know Your Goals and Ways You Can Contribute. Have you been keeping track of your past on-the-job successes? If you do not have a file containing your accomplishments you can review before this interview, start compiling information for this file now. Before your interview, review these achievements and prepare stories to depict your accomplishments. Here are some examples: "I implemented a time-saving policy at my last job which increased productivity and improved employee relations,"; "I was student council president for three years in high school" or "I was employee of the month at my last job." Research the Company. You'll sleep better the night before your job interview if you not only prepare to discuss qualities about yourself, but research the company you will be interviewing. Be prepared to intelligently discuss important information about the company - like the company's product line or services provided. Familiarize yourself with industry trends. Know who their competition is, and learn appropriate industry terminology. Be prepared to answer this specific question, "Why you want to work for this company?" Give a reason that reflects your valuable insight into their business structure. Use the company's Web site to begin your research. Be Ready to Think Quick on Your Feet. It is essential that you be able to comprehend what the interviewer is asking you so you can provide well-thought answers. Practice with a friend if you need to refresh your quick-thinking skills. Focus on the interview questions and concentrate to give your best, most complete answers. Job interviews typically maintain a good pace to ensure that the job applicant says what is on his or her mind. Here's how it works to the interviewer's advantage: a rapid-fire technique forces the interviewee to respond quickly, and quick answers are more prone to be "tell-all answers." They reveal exactly what the applicant thinks and provides a deeper insight into the candidate's work ethic, goals, personality and desires. Here are some typical rapid-fire questions you should be prepared to answer: What are some of your weaknesses? Have you ever had to deal with an irate customer, co-worker or employee? How did you handle the situation? How do you fit into our company's vision or corporate structure? Why do you want to work here? How can you (your skills, your past experiences) benefit this organization? What do you expect to earn in your first year working here? What motivates you to be the best employee you can be? Why are you searching for a new job? How do you set and reach your goals? Know How Much You Are Worth. Pre-determine the national average salary level for a position similar to the one you are interviewing (with bonus, if applicable), or better yet, the average salary based on location. Next, determine what you are willing to accept. Calculate this figure as an hourly wage and annual salary (in case they offer you the position as $12/hour, instead of $34,000 per year). Keep in mind that many hiring managers do not discuss salary at the initial interview, but you should have an acceptable range in mind. To gauge this amount, find out the market value for your skills (base it on similar-sized companies in the prospective industry). Use a salary locator site, such as Salary.com to help you with your research. You can also contact your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center or University for information or use journals (industry or professional) for guidance. You're Ready. Now Relax. You can put your mind at ease before your job interview if you prepare. While a professionally written resume will get your foot in the door, presenting yourself in a professional, collective manner will bring home the job offer. Use the tips above to help prepare you to manage the stressful days before an interview. Once you've learned to take control of the interviewing process, you'll find it a snap to move on to bigger and better things - like taking control of related work issues, negotiating your salary requirements, asking for a raise, and establishing your place among the ranks of the corporate elite. ______________ Still hungry for more Job Hunting Tips & Advice? Try our Archive Section for more: Behavioral Interviews; Insider Interview Tips; Job Search Improvement Ideas; Salary Negotiation Tips; and Reasons Behind Job Rejection and much more...

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