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The Job Interview Pep Talk - How to Psych Yourself Up Before the Big Day
by Hallie Crawford, Career Coach Extraordinaire
So you've decided to take the plunge and start hunting for a new job. This takes
courage, so congratulations on being willing to step out there! One of the next
hurdles in navigating your personal career path is the job interview. Maybe
interviews are old hat for you; maybe you're fresh out of school and are just
learning the protocol. Either way, consider this article a mini refresher course
and pep talk to get you going! Below are a few thoughts to file under "Why I
Don't Need to be Nervous on Interview Day."
Reason 1: I am not desperate for this job.
Many people approach the job interview with the mindset of "I MUST land this job
or else." This is a nice way to push the Instant Panic button and set yourself
up to fail. The fact is, you have no idea what the job entails, what your future
boss will be like or whether this company has anything to offer you. It may be
the career opportunity of a lifetime, but it may not be, and you won't know for
sure until you get there. So ditch the desperation, take a deep breath, and just
feel honored that someone liked your career profile enough to pick you over the
next candidate. It's looking good for you so far.
Reason 2: I have other options.
Sometimes we have a tendency to jump at the first hint of a new job on the
horizon. "Someone wants to hire me... I'd better take it before my options dry
up!" Remember that if you don't get chosen (or decide to accept) this job,
chances are slim to none that you'll end up destitute. There are tons of jobs
available on the major job sites like Monster.com. Keep your eyes pealed for new
job postings in the local and nearby metropolitan newspapers.
You can also find part-time income or freelance work by combing the internet
classifieds - try Craigslist.org. And if you're in a layoff situation, you
likely have some severance or unemployment to tide you over in the job search
interim. So relax. Everything is going to be okay. Know you can and will find
something that works for you.
Reason 3: I want to make sure the company is good enough for ME!
How many people do you think approach their interviews with an attitude of,
"Is this company worthy of my caliber of work?" and "Is this position a fit for me?"
These are legitimate questions and things to consider. However, watch out that
the scales don't dip too far to this side. You may honestly be wondering if this
company deserves your talent and dedication.
But don't let arrogance rear its ugly head during your interview. Stay down to
earth, be gracious, answer questions as honestly and objectively as you can.
Speak highly of your achievements but without being condescending! Be grateful
for the chance to sell yourself and balance that with the intent to determine if
this company and position is a fit for you.
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