What calmes nerves ?

[marshall]

Big job interview coming up Friday, what's something good to take to calm normal anxiety a bit, but still be alert?

 

[Johnny Bravo]

dont take anything

Go in there head up, beaming with confidence (not arrogance). Think before you speak. Talk slower and directly, Look the interviewer directly in the eye (most important). Dont bullshit, if you dont know something say, "I'm not familiar with that", or someting to that effect, and man let me tell you something. Eye contact is BIG, if it a woman doing the interview, dont look at the tits or anything else but the face. Some companies will give a woman or a minority as the interview just to see how you react. If there is more than one interviewer, and one askes the question, look at each one in the eye as you answer (spells respect and confidence) dont take anything. Just go in there and get that job that is yours. Oh and one more thing, dress for success nobody cares about you body when you interview (dress conservativly) unless you interviewing as a stripper . Let me know how it goes..Good luck

 

[Homer]

One thing I can add: be economical with your words. Say what's necessary to get your point across but avoid being verbose or chatty. When I was interviewing I hated people that felt the need to tell witty stories or just talk on and on. Conversly, have something to say that is related to the questioning and intellegent. It's just as bad when you get people that are so nervous they can only muster single word or sentence responses. There is a middle ground there you have to find. Just feed off the interviewer and follow his lead.

 

[drgoodbody]

Go in there head up, beaming with confidence (not arrogance). Think before you speak. Talk slower and directly, Look the interviewer directly in the eye (most important). Dont bullshit, if you dont know something say, "I'm not familiar with that", or someting to that effect, and man let me tell you something. Eye contact is BIG, if it a woman doing the interview, dont look at the tits or anything else but the face. Some companies will give a woman or a minority as the interview just to see how you react. If there is more than one interviewer, and one askes the question, look at each one in the eye as you answer (spells respect and confidence) dont take anything. Just go in there and get that job that is yours. Oh and one more thing, dress for success nobody cares about you body when you interview (dress conservativly) unless you interviewing as a stripper . Let me know how it goes..Good luck

All good advice there. I've interview hundreds of people over the years for positions and there are couple more things I'd add:

* Speak plainly, no bullshitology to try and impress them with your vocabulary or the latest buzz-speak
* First impressions are extremely important, and appearances matter a heck of a lot. Clean cut, well groomed, polished and mature. Don't need very expensive suits to look good, just make sure whatever you wear fits properly (not too tight or too loose/baggy) and is conservative and good taste (don't try and be stylish, usually backfires)
* I can tell you that most hiring decisions are made in the first 5 minutes of the interview. Be able to hold a conversation, know some current events, know about the job you're going after, but don't be presumptuous about knowing what they want. And definitely don't be arrogant.
* Be comfortable with yourself. Nothing worse than some dude who's tugging on his tie/collar or shirt sleeves all through the interview and squirming in his chair.
* Lastly, I agree with JB, don't take anything and avoid stimulants, like too much caffine. Makes some people act/talk like they are on speed. Stay calm and collected.

Good luck with interview,

DrG

 

[A50#]

Big job interview coming up Friday, what's something good to take to calm normal anxiety a bit, but still be alert?

2-3 Red Bulls, and a couple tabs of Clen right before your interview should help calm your nerves

Seriously though bro, have a good night sleep before hand and remain positive. You'll do just fine. Good luck!!!

 

[marshall]

thanks for the good replies ! great advice.

i've got a good idea of what i want to say and how to say it. just don't want to come across jittery or ramble like homer said. nothing like hitting the nail on the head, and then pound it too deep in the lumber !

it's promotional, so i will know everyone somewhat, but so will the competition.

i guess i will just hit some zma the night before and go easy on the coffee, maybe just a 1/2 cup to get me alert.

 

[marshall]

Just an update for those of you that offered advice.

The interview got pushed back, but is completed now.

Thanks for the advice, I was recalling it during the interview and it helped.
No 1 sentence answers, expanded on my ideas / views and remembered not to be too long winded after my point was made. Nerves calmed down fairly quickly as I knew most of the panel at least somewhat.

It was promotional and I had the least seniority of everyone involved, but I did hit the nail on the head. I felt really good coming out of there and honestly feel I have the most to offer out of the other candidates.

Should find something out very soon. It's a big event for me, as it could be the difference in me staying / looking at retiring with this company or really having to look seriously at leaving / something else for the long term.