Interviews are a necessary part of the job application process, but they can often feel like a lot of pressure. Even many experienced interviewees still struggle with this portion. The interview is often the first time you'll meet your potential future employer face-to-face, and you only have a short window to impress. That's enough to make anyone feel a little anxious.

If you're feeling a little uneasy about your next interview, don't let your nerves get the best of you! Instead, review these tips beforehand, so you can go in feeling confident and prepared.

Be Prepared

This may seem obvious, but preparation before an interview is essential. You may have a skill set that aligns with the job perfectly, but preparation goes beyond living up to your resume.

Do your research on the company, the position, and even your interviewer before going in. This way, you will know exactly what to expect. Preparation will not only help you to communicate your interest in the job, which is essential, but it will also help you calm your nerves before the big day. 

Practice, but don't over-practice

There are too many questions an interviewer could potentially ask to anticipate everyone. Don’t worry about trying to prepare for them all. You won't want to sound like you've rehearsed a script, anyway. Instead, just go over a few of the more obvious questions beforehand. You'll feel more confident with some preparation of basic questions, and you'll still be flexible enough to navigate any questions that come completely out of left field. 

Sell Yourself- Remember, they need you

Of course, one purpose of the interview is to sell yourself to your future employer. Come up with a few (honest) anecdotes beforehand, so you're prepared to make the pitch. You can think of times you were able to problem solve in a pinch, or how you were able to rise to a difficult occasion. You'll also want to articulate how you'll be an asset to their company, specifically. If you see any areas where they need support or would benefit from your expertise, don't be afraid to point it out. Let them know why they need you. 

Learn the company culture

Many companies have a set of values that they have incorporated into what they call their "company culture." Some companies, for instance, value connectivity and togetherness, so if you're interviewing with them, you'll want to emphasize your ability to work collaboratively as a member of a greater team. Other companies might value fierce independence, so you'll want to be able to discuss times that you took the initiative and tackled a problem on your own. Every company is different, so make sure you know which values they find essential. That way, you can highlight your own strengths and demonstrate why you would be a perfect fit. 

Find common ground with your interviewer

An interview is already a stressful situation, but if you've placed your interviewer on a pedestal, you're going to feel even more anxious. Instead of worrying about making a good impression, The Guardian recommends "building a rapport with your interviewer." Having a more natural conversation will help you to feel more at ease, and you won't feel so, "put on the spot." When you're relaxed but engaged it comes across as confidence.  

Establishing a more relaxed rapport isn't just to your advantage. Believe it or not, interviewers can find the formal nature of an interview uncomfortable as well, and many actually feel that they're the one in the hot seat! Find some common ground instead of striving to prove yourself, and everyone will be more at ease. 

Be Authentic

It may sound cheesy, but it's true… it's important to be yourself. If it's relevant to the interview, be honest about any obstacles you've faced in previous positions, so you can discuss how you've grown from them. Nobody expects you to be perfect. Interviewers will appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable, and you can also demonstrate that you're willing to learn from your mistakes.

Say "thank you"

A "thank you" following the interview is always appreciated, and these days it's usually expected. Let the interviewer know that you appreciate that they took the time to meet with you and be sure to check your grammar and spelling. Interviewers notice a sloppy follow-up e-mail, so take a few moments to look it over before you hit "send." You can follow up the next day, or if you had an early interview, don't be afraid to follow up the same day. 

We know interviewing for your dream job can be a challenging experience. With these tips, we hope you'll be able to go into your next interview feeling more prepared and confident. For more information on how we can help, contact us today or check out our current job opportunities today!