Would you agree that interviewing for new career opportunities can be one of the most stressful parts of the job-search process? If you're like most people, you dread them. If you've ever struggled because you worry you won't perform well under pressure or convey your skills effectively ... you're not alone. If you dislike job interviews, hopefully this blog will lower your stress and prepare you for your next job interview by providing actionable tips and strategies to help you approach the process with confidence and clarity.

“The key to landing that dream job or big promotion often comes down to how you perform in the job interview.” - Sam Owens

In his publication, I Hate Job Interviews: Stop Stressing. Start Performing. Get the Job You Want. Owens also shares that successful job interviews are about practice, not luck. To empower you with additional information, consider applying Owen's six suggestions to help below.

Six Ways to Pivot Job Interview Mindsets

• The Importance of Mindset: One key to a successful job interview is having the right mindset. Rather than viewing the interview as a high-stakes test where the goal is to avoid failure, treat the experience as a two-way conversation where both employer and the candidate get curious and determine if they are a good match. By adopting a mindset of curiosity and confidence, candidates can alleviate much of the pressure.

• Do Your Research: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare and don't forget to research the company. Understanding culture and familiarizing yourself with the company mission and values are vital to success. Sure, you'll want to prepare for the most common interview questions but also think about specific questions related to the role you are applying for. This preparation will help you provide thoughtful and relevant responses that will more than likely, resonate better with interviewers.

• Tell Stories: Walk into job interviews prepared with specific stories that demonstrate your experience, accomplishments, and problem-solving abilities. Owens suggests the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a structured way to frame answers to behavioral questions. This method allows candidates to provide concrete examples that prove they can perform the tasks required of the role, making them stand out as well-prepared and capable candidates. 
  
  

• Confidence vs. Arrogance: It's important to know the difference between confidence and arrogance. While it’s crucial to project confidence, avoid coming across as boastful or overbearing. Instead, focus on the value you can bring to the company, not just how great you are. The goal is to convey competence without alienating the interviewer through a lack of humility.

• Overcome Nerves: For those who struggle with nerves, consider various relaxation exercises including focusing on the present moment. Another tip, reframe nervousness as excitement. By practicing these methods, you can increase your chances to show your best self rather than allowing anxiety to undermine your performance.

• Close Strong: At the end of the interview, reiterate your interest in the role and express how your skills align with the company’s needs. Leverage this moment to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and insight into the company’s objectives and challenges.

Preparation Leads to Confidence

To succeed in any job interview, confidence in yourself is essential. Confidence signals to hiring managers that you believe in your abilities and are capable of succeeding in the role. Think about it this way—would you trust a surgeon who seems uncertain about their skills? Probably not. Similarly, interviewers are more likely to view candidates who exude confidence in their capabilities more favorably than those who appear hesitant or unsure.

📌 BLOG CONCLUSION:

To overcome job interview anxiety, remember that preparation leads to confidence so invest the time it takes to prepare (that includes getting your mind right) and answer questions confidently and effectively.