How to overcome job interview stress

1. Introduction
Even the smartest and most
qualified job seekers need to
prepare for job interviews. Some
interview techniques are given
below:

2. (1) Things to take to the interview
Remember to bring important items to the
interview:
• Notebook and pens
• Three copies each of your resume, cover
letter, letter(s) of recommendation,
transcripts, and other documents
• A list of references

3. • A nice folder for your résumé and
other documents
Just so your résumé doesn't look like
something cat dragged in, keep it in
pristine condition in a professional-looking
folder. Here are other important items to
bring to an interview.
3

4. • Interviewer / Company Phone Number
Even if you've allowed plenty of time for
traffic the unexpected can always happen,
like an accident that prevents you from
getting to your interview on time. Have the
phone number handy so you can call and
discuss timing, and possibly reschedule
your interview over the phone for another
time.
4

5. • Notebook with prepared questions
It is inevitable the interviewer will ask if
you have any questions for him/her. As
long as you've remembered to bring the
notebook where you outlined prepared
questions, this part of the interview will be
easy for you.
5

6. • Reference Sheet
Bring a sheet separate from your résumé
that lists your professional references. It's
usually a good sign when the interviewer
asks for references, so eliminate any
hesitation by providing your reference list
on the spot.
6

7. • A Pen That Works
You'll need something to write down notes
during your interview, for your own
information and in case there's anything
that triggers questions you may want to
save for the end. Just be sure to scribble
before you leave the house so you're not
stuck with a useless pen.
7

8. (2) Research the company
Find out as much as you can about the
company through annual reports, company
website, Newspapers, etc. Your effort will
show in the job interview, and you’ll be seen
as proactive, hardworking and astute.

9. (3) Display confidence during the interview , but
let the interviewer start the dialogue. Send a
positive message with your body language.
• Shake hands firmly, but only if a hand is offered
to you first.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Listen carefully. Welcome all questions, even the
difficult ones, with a smile.
• Give honest, direct answers.
• Develop answers in your head before you
respond. If you don't understand a question, ask
for it to be repeated or clarified. You don't have
to rush, but you don't want to appear indecisive.

10. (4) On the day of the interview, remember to:
• Plan your schedule so you arrive 10 to 15 minutes
early.
• Go by yourself.
• Look professional. Dress in a manner appropriate
to the job.
• Leave your MP3 player, coffee, water bottle, or
backpack at home or in your car.
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Bring your sense of humor and SMILE!

11. (5) How to Dress for a Professional
Interview
One of the key factors that will help you
achieve success in getting a job is the way you
dress when you go for an interview. It is not
acceptable to dress in jeans, t-shirt or a
sweatshirt. In fact, it is never acceptable to
wear jeans to an interview unless the
company tells you to do so.

12. It is important to know what to wear to an
interview and to be well-groomed. Whether
you wear a suit or something less formal
depends on the company culture and the
position you are seeking. If possible, call to
find out about the company dress code before
the interview.

13. Men's Interview Attire
• Suit (solid color – navy blue, black or dark
grey)
• Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with
the suit)
• Belt
• Tie
• Dark socks, conservative leather shoes

14. • Neat, professional hairstyle
• Limit the aftershave
• Neatly trimmed nails
• Portfolio or briefcase

15. Women's Interview Attire
• Suit (navy blue, black or dark grey)
• White or light color shirt.
• Conservative shoes
• Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms
full of bracelets) or no jewelry

16. • Professional hairstyle
Hair needs to be clean, dry and neatly combed. If
you have long hair, you can pull it back and tie
with a clip or a hair band to avoid creating
distractions. Wearing too high a pony tail or a
deshi style “high khopa” may look odd at
interviews.
• Neatly manicured clean nails
Nails should be clean and of moderate
length. Too long nails or nail ornaments create
distractions and may send wrong messages.

17. • Light make-up and perfume
• Portfolio or briefcase

18. (6) Practice good nonverbal communication
It's about demonstrating confidence: standing
straight, making eye contact and connecting
with a firm handshake. That
first nonverbal impression can be a great
beginning -- or quick ending -- to your
interview.

19. (7) Listen and Remain attentive
Stay alert during the job interview.
From the very beginning of the interview, your
interviewer is giving you information, either
directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you
are missing a major opportunity. Good
communication skills include listening and letting
the person know you heard what was said.
Observe your interviewer, and match that style
and pace.

20. (8) Don't talk too much
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to
know could be a fatal mistake. When you have
not prepared ahead of time, you
may ramble when answering interview
questions, sometimes talking yourself right
out of the job. Prepare for the interview by
reading through the job posting, matching
your skills with the position's requirements
and relating only that information.

21. (9) Give 1 to 2 minute responses
Communication is the key to successful
interviewing. A one to two minutes of well-
prepared discussion gives the interviewer
insight into your intellect and supports your
contentions.

22. (10) Don't be too familiar
The interview is a professional meeting to talk
business. This is not about making a new
friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic
the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to
bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview
and to ask questions, but do not overstep your
place as a candidate looking for a job.

23. (11) Use appropriate language
You should use professional language during
the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate
slang words or references to age, race,
religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these
topics could send you out the door very
quickly.

24. (12) Don't be overconfident and arrogant
Attitude plays a key role in your interview
success. There is a fine balance between
confidence, professionalism and modesty.
Even if you're putting on a performance to
demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as
bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

25. (13) Take care to answer the questions
When interviewers ask for an example of a
time when you did something, they are
asking behavioral interview questions, which
are designed to elicit a sample of your past
behavior. If you fail to relate a specific
example, you not only don't answer the
question, but you also miss an opportunity to
prove your ability and talk about your skills.

26. (14) Review common interview questions
Practice answering them with someone else or in
front of a mirror. Come prepared with stories that
relate to the skills that the employer wants, while
emphasizing your:
• Strengths
• Willingness to work and flexibility
• Leadership skills
• Ability and willingness to learn new things
• Contributions to the organizations in which you have
worked or volunteered
• Creativity in solving problems and working with
people

27. (15 ) Don't appear desperate
When you interview with the "please, please
hire me" approach, you appear desperate and
less confident. Reflect the three Cs during the
interview: cool, calm and confidence. You
know you can do the job; make sure the
interviewer believes you can, too.

28. (16) Ask probing questions
A few strategic questions can demonstrate your
intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness.
Have these prepared from your research. Avoid
superficial small talk.
When asked if they have any questions, most
candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of
knowing how to interview is being ready to ask
questions that demonstrate an interest in what
goes on in the company. Asking questions also
gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the
right place for you. The best questions come from
listening to what you're asked during the
interview and asking for additional information.

29. Pick questions that will demonstrate your
interest in the job and the company. This
might include commenting on the news you
learned from the company website, and then
asking a question related to it. Also ask
questions about the job you will be expected
to perform, like:

30. • What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this
job?
• How will my responsibilities and performance be
measured? By whom?
• Could you explain your organizational structure?
• What computer equipment and software do you
use?
• What is the organization's plan for the next five
years?

31. (17) End the interview with a good
impression. A positive end to the interview is
another way to ensure your success.
• Be courteous and allow the interview to end
on time.
• Restate any strengths and experiences that
you might not have emphasized earlier.
• Mention a particular accomplishment or
activity that fits the job.

32. • Ask when the employer plans to make a
decision.
• Indicate a time when you may contact the
employer to learn of the decision.
• Don't forget to send a thank-you note or letter
after the interview.

33. (18) Some last moment tips
Here are some last moment tips that can save
you from unnecessary stress:
• Have your clothes and accessories ready the
night before so that you are not in a hurry on the
day of interview.
• If you are going to wear a brand new outfit or
shoes, make sure you cut off all the tags and try
them on ahead of time.
• Remember to turn your mobile phone off before
entering the interview room.

34. • Keep a breath freshener/mint in your purse
(no chewing gums please) and use it right
before entering the office building.
• Better not to bring in water or any other soft
drink.
• It is safe to carry an umbrella if there is even a
slight chance of rain.
• Dress according to the weather.
• Be at the interview venue 10-15 minutes
before the interview.