So we've all been there.
Sitting in the waiting room with your resume in hand, wearing your brand new tie/blouse, trying to stay positive. You're more than prepared, but there's still something in the pit of your stomach, the nervousness before a job interview.
Well if you haven't experienced one yet, you're going to. And let me tell you right now, it's not as bad as you think.
I've just experienced my first job interview and long story short, it went great. Here is some advice that I took to prepare myself for that time.
Plan ahead of time.
Even if the interview is somewhere close, still plan ahead. Don't rush, take your time to get ready and get your stuff together the night before. You don't want to worry about printing a couple resumes before your interview. If the job interview is far, and it consist of you taking the freeway, I would either suggest to give yourself at least 2 hours before, just in case something happens or take the bus.
If you're thinking of taking the bus or train to avoid traffic, please do. That's what I did and I was stress free for the ride there, and it gives you more time to think about possible questions they'll be asking and you can have answers ready.
Don't worry about little things before.
If you have errands to run. Just don't. For one day, don't worry about cleaning your house, you'll get it done with you come back. Plus, you don't want to clean in your nice clothes.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Hopefully your family and friends are supportive and positive before your interview, because it really helps to have someone telling you you'll do great, you look great, just be yourself, don't worry about it, etc.
Odds are, the interviewer is as nervous as you are. Yeah, they've probably interviewed a dozen people so far, you just have to go in with the mindset of, “They need you more than you need them.”
Dress to impress.
This one is obvious. First impressions are important in a job interview. If you are serious about getting hired and really want this position, you'll know you'll have to be presentable and show you are as serious as your outfit.
Eye contact is key.
Look at your interviewer while you're/their talking. You'll be nervous yes, but once you've recognized their face and know they're just as human as you are, you'll be fine.
Probably the most important advice I can give is, just be yourself.
I'm serious. If you want to get hired, might as well get hired for who you are, and not what you're trying to pretend to be. Don't lie and say you've done something when you haven't, you don't want to drag that lie throughout the interview. Of course be respectful, treat them how you want to be treated. Treat the interview like a regular conversation you would with your professor or advisor, professional yet comfortable. It's not as intimidating you think it is, you got this.
