Do your research. There’s nothing more impressive to an employer than an interviewee who is well-versed in the company and position they are applying for. This also benefits you because the more you know about a company or position, the more you’ll know if you would be a good fit or not.
Practice interviewing in the mirror. By practicing in the mirror, you will be able to pick up on your mannerisms and body language. Relax, smile politely, try not to fidget, and remember to maintain eye contact. As you practice your responses, see how many “likes,” “ums,” and “uhs” you can eliminate.
Bring a copy of your resume. Your interviewer will most likely have a copy of your resume to look at from your application, but it is standard to bring a copy yourself. If you really want to look professional, consider printing your resume on cardstock or putting it in a plastic sheet protector.
Lay out your outfit the night before. Not only will this decrease anxiety levels, but it will also give you the time to put any finishing touches on your outfit. (Bonus points if you wake up extra early to iron and lint roll your clothing—what a great impression it would make on a prospective employer!)
Don’t overdo the perfume or cologne. We all want to make an impression at a job interview, but you won’t want to be remembered for inducing an asthma attack on your interviewer. Be cautious when spritzing your smell-goods, and make sure you pick a scent that most people will enjoy.
Leave earlier than you think. You never know what traffic you may encounter and even though it’s understandable, there is no excuse for tardiness at a job interview. In fact, most times, the interviewer will not even see you if you arrive late. So, make sure to leave earlier than think you should and bring a book to read in the car.
Breathe in. Breathe out. It’s normal for anxiety levels to be high before a big interview. Just remember: breathe in, breathe out. Try to make your exhales longer than your inhales. You got this!
