How to combat nervousness during an interview

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How to combat nervousness during an interview

• Presented by Jeff Jennings

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Intro

• During this presentation, I will be discussing
  tips and techniques on how to deal with
  nervousness during the interview process. These
  include tips and examples of how to control your
  speech, attitude, behavior and body language.

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Tip 1 RELAX!!!

• Take a deep breath
• Remind yourself of your career success, skills
  and qualifications to date
• Appreciate the fact that you are a talented
  individual

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Tip2 Be Prepared

• The preparation you have already done should
  give you confidence. You should research details
  about the position and the company, know how to
  get to the interview and what to expect when you
  get there.
• Your next step is to practice the interview
  with a friend and try out what you are going to
  say. Be prepared for all the nasty questions and
  make sure that you are satisfied with the way you
  sound. The whole point of doing this is to
  practice until you achieve your desired results.

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• While practicing, do not use a script. Although
  you may have an idea of what you are going to
  say, don't stick to exactly the same words each
  time its not a recital. Each time you manage
  to say the same thing but in different words, you
  will increase your confidence.

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Tip 3 Punctuality (Be On Time)

• Make sure that you know exactly how to get to
  the interview and have left enough time for the
  journey, otherwise you will only increase your
  own anxiety.
• Also make sure that you arrive in time to go to
  the restroom before your interview begins if you
  are likely to be nervous beforehand.

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Tip 4 Speech Body Language

• Be positive about yourself. You have been
  invited to an interview because you are a good
  candidate. The interviewer has already seen your
  application and been impressed.
• Remain calm, be enthusiastic about the job and
  realistic about your strengths and weaknesses.
  Your self-assessment will pay off.

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Speech

• Speak clearly and to the point. Avoid verbal
  nervous ticks (i.e. "umm," "like," "you know.)
  Also, avoid talking too much.
• Over-talking takes a couple of forms
• 1)Taking too long to answer direct questions
• 2) Nervous talkers

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Speech continued

• Taking too long to answer direct questions. The
  impression This candidate just can't get to the
  point.
• Nervous talkers. The impression This candidate
  is covering up something or is outright lying.
• To avoid either of these forms of over-talking,
  practice answering questions in a direct manner.
  Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your
  interview with role-play

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Body Language

• Many management training and interview courses
  now contain sections on body language and
  interpretation of it, so don't be tempted to lie
  or to act.
• If you lie, your body language can give you away.

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Continued

• The vast majority of interview candidates are
  nervous. This is perfectly normal. However, if
  interview nerves reduce you to shivering and
  leave you unable to think coherently, you need to
  be able to minimize the effects.

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Hand Shaking

• The three-second handshake that starts the
  interview is your first opportunity to create a
  great impression. A firm yet relaxed hand shake
  is the way to go.
• Poor handshake
• The Limp Hand (or "dead fish") Gives the
  impression of disinterest or weakness
• The Tips of the Fingers Shows lack of ability to
  engage.
• The Arm Pump Sincerity is questionable, much
  like an overly aggressive salesman.

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Eye Contact

• Not enough/too much eye contact Either situation
  can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact
  and you'll seem shifty, untruthful, or
  disinterested offer too much eye contact, and
  you'll wear the interviewer out. If you sometimes
  have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this
  issue out ahead of time in an interview practice
  session with a friend.

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Communication Styles

• Failure to match communication styles It's
  almost impossible to make a good first impression
  if you can't communicate effectively with an
  interviewer. But you can easily change that
  situation by mirroring the way the interviewer
  treats you.

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Continued

• For instance
• If the interviewer seems all business, don't
  attempt to loosen him/her up with a joke or
  story. Be succinct and businesslike
• If the interviewer is personable, try discussing
  his/her interests. Often the items on display in
  the office can offer a clue.
• If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then
  follow up by asking if more information is
  needed.
• Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of
  conversation can vastly improve your chances of
  making a favorable impression. You can put the
  interviewer at ease -- and make yourself seem
  more like him or her -- by mirroring his or her
  communication style.

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Remember

• Interviewers want to see confident applicants,
  because this makes it easier for them to gather
  all the information they need. If you are too
  reserved or too arrogant this will just be
  irritating. The best applicants will demonstrate
  that they have initiative, can find solutions to
  problems and have the ability to pick out
  important details. They will demonstrate that
  through what they say, how they say it and by
  having a confident, self-assured style.

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Final

• If you are afraid that feeling nervous will make
  you look nervous, don't worry. The interviewer
  will be doing his/her best to put you at ease
  when you arrive. Most candidates look a bit
  nervous - interviewers are very used to that.
• Breathe deeply. Slow down, which often helps to
  reduce your nervousness, make your actions
  deliberate and try to look calm. If you are
  worried that your hands will be sweating because
  of your nervousness, don't shake hands if the
  interviewer doesn't offer to.

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• Any Questions? Comments?

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• Thank you for your time and attention