5 Ways to Think About Your Upcoming Job Interview

For many people the time spent in preparation for a job interview is one filled with incredible anxiety. There might be pressure to get a job due to unemployment or recent graduation from school. However, approaching a job interview with intense anxiety and concern will make it difficult to have a successful interview.

The following five ways to think about, and approach, an upcoming interview can help reduce anxiety and allow you to better demonstrate the talent and skills you have to offer the company.

The interview is all about the interviewer. You likely want the job you are interviewing for, but the interviewer is seeking out someone who will make their job easier. If you can demonstrate to the interviewer what you can do for them, and how you can meet the needs of the company, you are in a better position to land the job.

And it’s about determining if the job/employer is a good fit for you. Sure, the job might sound great on paper, but the interview process might reveal that you’d be working for a jerk or at a company that does not respect an employee’s personal life and obligations. The interview is a great opportunity for you to ensure that this job would be a good fit for you.

Practice makes better. Like anything, the more we do something the better we can become at it. Think of your job interview as practice. You might not get this job, but you’ve practiced interviewing and are now better prepared for the next interview that comes your way. Evaluate your performance and identify areas for you to improve upon in your next interview.

This is an opportunity to expand your network. You’ll be meeting other people throughout the interviewing process, from the person who greets you when you arrive, to the manager or human resource representative who interviews you. This provides you with introductions to new people who can expand your network, and who you might work with in the future. Be kind and remember those you might.

You’ll learn something about your field. The interview, if you approach it correctly, can also serve as a learning opportunity. You can deepen your knowledge of your chosen field by asking pertinent questions and gain an understanding of how other companies in the industry operate.

Adjust your thoughts and approach to your upcoming job interview and you can reduce stress and enjoy the process more.