Squash Interview Jitters - Connect to Your Value!

Brenda Griffin Get A Job Expert

You must choose the thoughts and actions that will lead you on to success.
                                                                                                                   - R.C. Allen

     You have an interview.  Hurray! As you hang up the phone, combinations of things run through your mind.  Typical responses include relief, excitement, and hope. Relief - things are moving forward.  Excitement - you're getting closer to an offer.  And hope - you will get the job you really want, or truly need.

     Then, the pressure starts to build.  If you're unemployed or nervous about loosing your current job, suddenly everything is at stake. Your paycheck, healthcare benefits, and your future are on the line.  That's when the jitters kick in.

     "Houston, we have a problem"! The alarms go off in your mind and you may start to wonder.  Things like, "Will they like me, am I good enough, maybe this job is above me, maybe it will be more work than I can handle, the competition it too stiff."  The second-guessing kicks in and it's official.  You're nervous. Now what? 

     Two choices - stay nervous or squash the jitters.  Which one do you think will produce the best interview outcome?  OK, so that's obvious, but important to ask yourself in those moments.  Don't stay on autopilot! Make a choice to actively squash the jitters.

     Now, the next question - how? How to you get beyond the alarms and jitters and move forward with renewed confidence?

     Know your value.  Connect to it.  Approach your interview through this place. 

     Start by giving yourself a new title. You are no longer a job seeker. You are a problem solver! What types of problems do you solve?  A look back at your accomplishments, experience, and skill sets provides the key. 

     Know your value, study your value and commit to demonstrating to employers that you will add value. 

     What problems do employers have?  The problem they listed in the job posting.  It's more than a job description. It's a problem and they need help - your help! They believe you are the solution - that is why they called you.  Your interview is your opportunity to show them how you will solve it.

     Squash the jitters. Connect to the fact that you are now on a mission to help them solve this problem - because you can!  You have what it takes to do so. 

     The excitement, relief and hope remain, while your enthusiasm builds.  You know that you can be of service to this company!  You will present your best, most confident self because you have prepared by connecting to your value.