We all know that we need to prepare for an interview by practicing answers, brushing up on our elevator pitch, learning about the company’s vision and goals, reviewing the interviewer’s backgrounds and so on. However, do you put the same effort into your mental game?
When I work with my clients, we talk about both the practical and mental side of interview prep so that they REALLY feel prepared when it’s game time. Here are my top tips to help you get into the most positive interview mindset.
A Mutually Beneficial Meeting
When you go into an interview, don’t assume that this has to be the job for you. That is just way too much pressure —and who needs that? Although you may think this is the ideal job for you, you never really know what it’s like until you are in the role. Definitely stay open to the possibility that this could be the ideal role for you and put your best foot forward; however, you want to keep in mind that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. This is a mutually beneficial meeting. You want to learn if this really is the right role for you as much as they want to see if you are a good fit for them.
Meditate…Even for just for 5 mins
We’ve all heard how great meditation is and a part of us may believe it, but it doesn’t mean that we are ready to take on a meditation practice. Especially when we may be too ambitious and think it takes hours to be effective. You are not a monk! So, it is not necessary or practical to meditate for long periods of time. Start with 5 minutes a day and work your way up to 15 minutes, 2 times a day or more.
Pro Tip 1: Check out this book by Emily Fletcher, Stress Less, Accomplish More. You can thank me later.
Pro Tip 2: Many apps and podcasts offer free guided meditations such as Calm or Headspace. It’s a great place to start if you’re a beginner.
Visualization
As part of my meditation practice, I leave a couple of minutes for visualization. I find this really helps with manifesting dreams into reality. So, visualize yourself passing the interview, getting the job, signing the offer and allow yourself to really feel the excitement as if it’s already happening. This will help you embody confidence when you are actually in an interview so that you have a calmness about you rather than an air of desperation. Top athletes and business leaders do this all the time and it works, seriously!
Power Poses
Power poses are a great way to change your physiology and help you feel more confident. If it’s an in-person interview, you can do this privately in the washroom right before you check-in, and if it’s a virtual interview, it’s even easier! This is a quick and easy win especially if you haven’t had time to incorporate the other tips.
Pro Tip: Try these 2 poses for 2 minutes each before your next interview
- The Wonder Woman Pose: hands-on-hips with feet spread wide apart.
- The Victory Pose: Hands raised up and apart over your head with your head held high and proud.
Positive affirmations
Positive affirmations are an easy on the go exercise that no one will even know you are doing if you say them in your head.
Try saying any of the following either out loud or in your mind before your next interview. The trick is to keep saying it until you believe it!
- I am calm and confident and always do well in interviews
- I have the right experience, skills and attitude to land my dream job
- I am open to new opportunities that are aligned with career goals and experience
Tweak them until they feel just right for you!
Exercise
Exercise releases “happy hormones” that make us feel great and more confident. It doesn’t have to be anything too intense, even a quick workout the night before or the morning of will help. You want to do something to get the blood pumping and for you to feel good about yourself. If you already work out, this will be an easy one for you! If this is not your cup of tea, some light stretches or a walk around the block can do wonders to boost your mood.
Okay, that was a lot of tips and some of them might be too ambitious for you in the context of interview prep! Of course, you don’t have to practice them all, that would probably be overdoing it. Pick 1-3 that really resonate with you and give it a try! It can’t hurt.
Also, if you are looking for more interview tips, you can sign up for my mailing list and download my free Ace Your Next Interview workbook.
With gratitude 🌹
Jen Rose Narayan, Career + Purpose Coach
