We all know how difficult the road to landing that perfect job is. After multiple applications, resume submissions, and phone screens, you have finally landed that in-person job interview. Feeling a little nervous for your big day? Here are our top 3 tips to boost your confidence before your job interview.
Take the Time to be Prepared
From picking out an appropriate outfit to making sure you show up 15 minutes early, it is always recommended take a few extra steps ahead of time to prepare yourself for the big interview. Take the time prior to your interview to research the company you’ve applied to. Besides looking into the company culture and workforce environment, look for simple day to day answers too. Do they have a strict professional dress code? How far is the drive with traffic?
It is important to know where you are interviewing and what the company dress requirements are for you to show up confidently. There is nothing worse than showing up to an interview unprepared and underdressed. Can’t find any information on the dress policy? We recommend going with the safer route and ensuring your outfit is business professional.
A little bit of research on company you are interviewing at will allow you to have a stress free commute, early arrival, and (a little more) ease when sitting down with your interviewer.
The Superman Pose
It has been scientifically proven by Harvard University that your confidence has a direct correlation to your hormone and cortisol levels. In other words, higher levels of testosterone results in an increased feeling of confidence while lower cortisol levels allow the person to handle stress and pressure.
Amy Cuddy, a researcher at Harvard University, has proven that by practicing “higher power” poses can increase testosterone levels up to 20% and lowered cortisol levels by 25%. This means, by standing in a “high power” pose (such as the Superman pose), for minimum of two minutes will allow your body language to increase your testosterone levels naturally.
Before your interview, we recommend tucking away your phone or refrain from performing any activities that could force you to shrink into a “low power” pose previous to your interview. If you would like to avoid standing in a Superman pose in the middle of the waiting area, do your best to sit in an open and relaxed position while waiting.
Know Your Worth
Before showing up for your interview, make sure you have looked over your own resume and achievements. Be prepared to answer questions in regards of your big wins over the past years with previous employers. It is always best to know the quantitative information off-hand and be able to speak on the result of your successes over the past years.
Don’t have much experience in the workforce environment? Speak about your experiences in school and what you were able to take away from working in groups or important projects. Still uneasy? Consider getting advice from a career expert and pursuing a professional interview coaching session.