5 Tips for Overcoming the Job Interview Jitters

As one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, Murray Resources knows job interviews are nerve wracking. Not only do you feel like you’re being interrogated, but there’s also a lot on the line…especially if you’re unemployed. Unfortunately, for many job seekers, their nerves can sabotage their best efforts in an interview. To ensure it doesn’t happen to you, here are some tips for overcoming job interview jitters:

#1: Do Your Research

Knowledge breeds confidence – and if you aren’t that knowledgeable about the company or the position, then you need to do some research. Learn about the industry, their products and services, the competition, and the challenges they are facing. Find out the people you will be interviewing with and research them on LinkedIn. Know the company’s mission and vision and how you can contribute to them.

#2: Practice Ahead

If you get nervous answering interview questions, then write down some common questions and practice your answers to them. If your nerves have really gotten the best of you in past interviews, then conduct a mock interview. Have a friend or family member interview you and then give you honest feedback about how well you performed. If you can’t conduct a mock interview, then at least practice in front of a mirror.

#3: Be Prepared

Don’t wait until the morning of the interview to print out copies of your resume or figure out what you’re going to wear. What if your printer runs out of ink, or your best suit has a stain on it? Don’t let these kinds of frustrations send you into panic mode the morning of your interview. Instead, prepare ahead of time. Have copies of your resume printed and your suit dry cleaned. Also, have directions ready and check the traffic before you go.

#4: Arrive Early

One of the biggest mistakes you can make before a job interview is not giving yourself enough time to get there. When you’re running late, you’re going to be in a state of frenzy by the time you arrive at the interview. Don’t worry about getting there too early. You can always sit in your car or in the office lobby and relax before your interview.

#5: Be Positive

Speak positive words to yourself and visualize success during the interview. See yourself doing a great job, answering questions precisely and impressing the interviewer. Remember, there’s a reason you were invited in for an interview in the first place.

If you’re stressed, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal to be nervous before a job interview. But by taking the steps above, you can ensure your jitters don’t get the best of you.

Need more help preparing for job interviews? Contact Murray Resources. As one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from crafting a strong resume to preparing for interviews – all so you can find job opportunities that are a great fit for your skills and background.

Ready to get started? Contact us today.