Last time we looked at how to have a confident
approach to the interview. But what if you suffer
from nerves.
The first thing to say if you wake up on the morning
of the interview with butterflies in your tummy -
Fantastic! - Don't worry this is just your body's way
putting you on high alert to deal with the interview
later. A small amount of nerves are a good thing
making sure mind and body are sharp. However if
you do find your nerves difficult to control here are
some tips to help keep them under control.
Have a confident mind set - see issue 8 of
Career Coach for full details - if you missed that
issue click here
Positive statements - when under pressure
and working outside of our comfort zone you tend to
use the negative self talk to get rid of any amount of
confidence you had. To combat this turn that
negative voice into a positive one. As soon as you
know you have got an interview come up with 3
statements to give yourself a positive frame of mind.
E.g. I am good at interviews, I have prepared well for
this interview, I am confident I can do well at the job.
Even if you have doubts use the statements when
you get up in the morning, when you go to bed and
again if you get an attack of nerves.
Visualise yourself in the interview - another
useful exercise to keep yourself calm is to visualise
yourself at the interview performing just as you
would wish. Try to think of times in the past when
you have felt confident and relaxed, this doesn't
even have to be interview related. Then see
yourself at the interview performing to your peak.
Again practise this exercise daily running up to the
interview and on the day.
Nerves don't show - the number of
individuals who tell me they are terrified or have felt
really nervous during an interview and to be honest it
just hasn't come across. You never look as nervous
as you feel so relax.
Breathing exercises - finally if on the day
you still have those butterflies try some breathing
exercises. A few minutes before your interview take
a deep breath in through your nose and hold for a
count of 3 then exhale slowly out through your
mouth. Feel the tension leaving your body. Try this
4/5 times, with practise you should be able to carry
out with no one noticing.
In all previous issues we have been looking at
preparing for the interview. Over the next few issues
we will look at how to make the most of the
interview itself.
If you have an important interview coming up and or
are keen to improve your interview skills click here.
click here
Having asked for feedback you now need to do
something constructive with it.
As with everything we have been discussing when
looking at managing your career it is important to get
into good regular habits. This means that at the end
of the year you are not left trying to remember/piece
together your performance and forget to include
something important. It also means that you are
aware of your strengths and development needs
every step of the way. If an opportunity such as a
promotion comes along you are also in the best
possible position to react.
Categorise your feedback - where does it fit
in into your review and development plan? Your
performance is likely to be measured against specific
competencies/behaviours, knowledge and
objectives. It is your responsibility to demonstrate
you are achieving/exceeding these.
Look at each piece of feedback you have and decide
which of the competencies, objectives etc, it is
evidence of. In this way you can build up a clear
picture of the strengths of your performance and any
areas you may need to develop on.
E.G. Feedback of training someone may provide
evidence on improved communication, knowledge,
coaching, improved pc skills etc.
This provides an excellent platform to discus and
review your performance with your manger.
If you want to make the most out of your career -
click here
