Maybe it was before a high school soccer game or before you took the stage in elementary school choir, but we’ve all heard it while prepping for something that made us nervous: “Just imagine the audience in their underwear.” The quirky saying is meant to calm you down and settle your nerves. Picturing the audience in their underwear is meant to make you laugh and take the edge off, as the roles of who is judging who are reversed and you have the upper hand. Unfortunately, this old adage hasn’t proven very effective in most situations, especially in interview prep. Inspired by “National Underwear Day,” we’re sharing the best ways to genuinely ease your interview anxiety and slay your big moment.
1. Do Your Research
Have you ever pulled an all-nighter, realizing half way through the night that you would have been better off if you started reviewing your notes a week before instead of the night of? The same sentiment applies when preparing for interviews. Do. Your. Research. It’ll be some work, but you’ll feel better and stress less!
Research Yourself
You are you, so you understand yourself, right? WRONG. Review your resume and reflect back on key accomplishments you have achieved in previous positions or academically. In the moment it is very easy to go into the “interview blackhole” and stumble over your words because of nerves. It is helpful to remind yourself of key points you want to make sure to address with the interviewer before leaving the interview. It is necessary to jot these down in a notebook that you take with you.
Research the Position/Organization
You can be taught on the job skills and duties, but you can’t teach a positive attitude and intrinsic motivation. Working first hand with recruiters, we've heard multiple times how important it is to show interest in the position and why you want to work at their organization. Yes, having transferable skills and attributes outlined in the position description are an important factor, but you can easily make yourself a stand out candidate simply by doing intentional research and showing genuine interest. What is it about the position that engages you and makes you excited? Why does the mission of the organization resonate with you? Instead of just reciting it like a broken record, put into your own words why it matters to you.
Research Day-Of Needs
What time do you need to be there? Where do you park? How long will it take to get there? Answer all of these questions before the day of the interview. Plug the destination into your GPS and see how long the drive is, then add at least 15 minutes for unexpected traffic or weather delays. Do a test run and see if you can easily find the location and where you need to park. Set out your clothes and all day-of needs the night before to feel ready to go.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
“Practice makes perfect” is dead. Nothing is perfect, so don’t stress yourself out trying to be. Practice helps you feel prepared. You can start practicing your interview responses by researching sample questions. There are literally tens of thousands out there ranging from the standard, “Tell me about yourself” to questions that are industry specific. Consider practicing with family or friends, but make sure whoever you practice with is comfortable providing you with constructive feedback that will help you succeed. Having people that love you and care about you who only give you compliments feels wonderful, but it doesn’t help you grow and improve. Use mirrors to look at your reflection when you are practicing and pay attention to your body language. If you are really interested in the position but your legs and arms are crossed, you’re giving a closed-off, disinterested vibe. Practicing with a mirror is a great reality check so you present your best self during the interview.
3. Actually Relax
Really, relax! Do something you enjoy the day prior to the interview. You’ve done your research and practiced, so take some time to clear your head. Do things that have anxiety relieving benefits, such as going for a walk/run, listening to your favorite album, cooking your favorite meal, or spending time with loved ones. Even though interviews are often stressful, relax and remind yourself that you landed the interview in the first place! If they didn’t see potential in you, they wouldn't have invited you for the interview. Recharge and relax, and know that you are awesome.
1. Do Your Research
Have you ever pulled an all-nighter, realizing half way through the night that you would have been better off if you started reviewing your notes a week before instead of the night of? The same sentiment applies when preparing for interviews. Do. Your. Research. It’ll be some work, but you’ll feel better and stress less!
Research Yourself
You are you, so you understand yourself, right? WRONG. Review your resume and reflect back on key accomplishments you have achieved in previous positions or academically. In the moment it is very easy to go into the “interview blackhole” and stumble over your words because of nerves. It is helpful to remind yourself of key points you want to make sure to address with the interviewer before leaving the interview. It is necessary to jot these down in a notebook that you take with you.
Research the Position/Organization
You can be taught on the job skills and duties, but you can’t teach a positive attitude and intrinsic motivation. Working first hand with recruiters, we've heard multiple times how important it is to show interest in the position and why you want to work at their organization. Yes, having transferable skills and attributes outlined in the position description are an important factor, but you can easily make yourself a stand out candidate simply by doing intentional research and showing genuine interest. What is it about the position that engages you and makes you excited? Why does the mission of the organization resonate with you? Instead of just reciting it like a broken record, put into your own words why it matters to you.
Research Day-Of Needs
What time do you need to be there? Where do you park? How long will it take to get there? Answer all of these questions before the day of the interview. Plug the destination into your GPS and see how long the drive is, then add at least 15 minutes for unexpected traffic or weather delays. Do a test run and see if you can easily find the location and where you need to park. Set out your clothes and all day-of needs the night before to feel ready to go.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
“Practice makes perfect” is dead. Nothing is perfect, so don’t stress yourself out trying to be. Practice helps you feel prepared. You can start practicing your interview responses by researching sample questions. There are literally tens of thousands out there ranging from the standard, “Tell me about yourself” to questions that are industry specific. Consider practicing with family or friends, but make sure whoever you practice with is comfortable providing you with constructive feedback that will help you succeed. Having people that love you and care about you who only give you compliments feels wonderful, but it doesn’t help you grow and improve. Use mirrors to look at your reflection when you are practicing and pay attention to your body language. If you are really interested in the position but your legs and arms are crossed, you’re giving a closed-off, disinterested vibe. Practicing with a mirror is a great reality check so you present your best self during the interview.
3. Actually Relax
Really, relax! Do something you enjoy the day prior to the interview. You’ve done your research and practiced, so take some time to clear your head. Do things that have anxiety relieving benefits, such as going for a walk/run, listening to your favorite album, cooking your favorite meal, or spending time with loved ones. Even though interviews are often stressful, relax and remind yourself that you landed the interview in the first place! If they didn’t see potential in you, they wouldn't have invited you for the interview. Recharge and relax, and know that you are awesome.
