Applying for jobs can be difficult. You need a stellar resume, a crafted cover letter, and if you really want to make an impression, a follow up call. And after all this work, there is still the interview (or interviews) to worry about. You have already done so much to get in the door. Now it’s time to bring it all together by nailing the interview and landing the job.
Visualize the Interview and Manifest Your Job Offer
The power of positive thinking is greater than many of us realize. Even if you don’t fully believe it, tell yourself you are going to succeed. Say it enough, and you’ll start to believe it and carry that confidence with you. Don’t think or talk about “if” you get the job offer. Visualize what will happen “when” you get the job offer. Think about how it will affect and change your life. Picture the interview. What do you look like? How do you sound?
Confident and Collected
Plan out what you will wear ahead of time. Get feedback from friends or family members on possible outfits. Try them on and see how comfortable and confident each of them makes you feel. While you want to look your best, you also want to make sure you feel your best. If you don’t feel comfortable, it will distract you throughout the interview.
Prepare answers for commonly asked interview questions (Check out our "Land the Job" blog series). Think about your resume and highlight your achievements in each of your answers. The questions are less likely to blindside you if you take time to consider your answers. Planned answers can even help if the interviewer asks different questions. You will be able to tweak your responses instead of having to create ones out of thin air.
Practice interviews with a friend, or even yourself and a mirror. Focus on your body language and practice good eye-contact. Switch it up and have them ask different questions each time you practice. This will help your improvisational skills and keep you thinking on your feet.
Have at least one printed copy of your resume and cover letter. While your interviewer may have one on hand, it is not a guarantee. Show your drive and initiative by having a copy of your own ready to share with them. This will let them know how serious you are about the interview. You want them to have as much information about you as possible.