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Job interviews are stressful. There is no denying that. A lot hinges on your performance – a new job, a new direction for your career. You know that everything you say and do is being scrutinized and judged.

But there are things you can do to control and even reduce the stress and anxiety. Here are a few ways to do that.

Avoid scripting your responses.

Candidates prepare for job interviews by reviewing questions they are likely to be asked and formulating answers to those questions. It is important to have responses ready to hand, however, you need to be careful that you don’t overdo it.

Some people have complete, prearranged answers prepared. They memorize responses word for word, with the idea that they will simply repeat the answer during the interview. But this is not a good way to prepare.

In fact, these canned responses increase the likelihood that you will fumble the answer because of the pressure to repeat the response just as you rehearsed it. You may draw a blank or forget a few sentences, which could ruin any attempt at a coherent response. Also, the answer that you have rehearsed may not be exactly on point in answering the version of the question asked by the interviewer.

The best way to prepare is simply to have a general outline in your mind of what you are going to say, a few basic talking points that you can build your answer around.

Get some exercise.

You will naturally be anxious the night before the interview and may have difficulty sleeping. If you exercise several hours before going to bed, you will tire yourself out enough to get a good night’s rest.

Also, to help reduce stress, work out, if possible, before going to the interview. This again will tire you out and help to reduce anxiety.

Don’t cut things too close.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, park your car, and find the building. If time is short, you will only add to the stress.

Don’t ramble.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your answers to around one minute. Give shorter answers to the harder questions and take more time answering the easier ones.

If you make a mistake.

If you are not happy with an answer, forget about it and move on. Focus your attention on the next question and doing the best job you can in answering it.

The second drink kind of answer.

When you are on your second drink at a bar, your inhibitions tend to lessen a little. You become more sincere, more authentic, more open and straightforward. You tell it like it is, without jargon or wordiness. It is this kind of attitude you need to adopt for your responses at an interview.

If you are looking for employment in the New York City area, Winston Resources is here to help you. We know the job market, we know what employers are looking for, and we have the contacts to help you. Give us a call today.


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