How to Ace a Job Interview: Four Ways to Overcome Fear and Land the Job You Want

After a decade of service at my current employer, I'm ready to move on. Unfortunately, my timing is less than perfect because of the current economic crisis and a growing trend of downsizing among numerous corporations. Many people are searching for new jobs and the stakes are higher. The interviewing process can be intense and the economic meltdown puts added pressure on the interviewee. Employers are being extremely selective because they have a vast pool of candidates vying for the same position. All of these factors can make the thought of interviewing a bit daunting. Sweaty palms and racing hearts are outward manifestations of the internal nervousness that seizes most interviewees before an interview. A little bit of nervousness is normal, but you don't have to let it ruin your interview.

How can you interview with confidence and be fearless when you face your interviewer? What can you do to calm the nerves? Here are some tips that I've used that really work:

Visualization
Visualization is a key component to having a successful outcome in any area of your life. If you can see yourself acing the interview, there's an excellent chance it will become a reality. I like to envision every single detail of the interview in my mind (the clothes I wear, my shoes, my drive to the location, greeting the receptionist, sitting in the reception area etc.) I see the whole process going smoothly, no roadblocks, no problems, just a positive experience waiting for me. I also see myself giving a firm handshake, answering questions with confidence, and making an excellent impression on everyone I meet during the interviewing process. Doing this allows you to be calm, have positive energy, and to be present in the moment. If something doesn't go according to plan, you won't become so unruffled, you'll be able to handle it calmly, and bounce back quickly.

Start an Excellence Journal
I'm not taking about writing a novel here. Just jot down notes, positive affirmations, little things about you that make you a person of excellence. It's a place to celebrate you and the gifts only you can bring to the world. (I'm an excellent cook, I have the potential to be a world class chef, I have a great sense of humor, people love to listen to my jokes, I'm a supportive and loving friend, I'm a great dad, etc.). These are things that make you unique and fun to be around. On an interview you don't only bring your resume and references, you bring yourself, your entire being. Who you are at the core attracts a potential employer just as much as your work-related accomplishments. The excellence journal is another way to boost your confidence and combat those fears and doubts. Make sure you browse through journal on interview day.

Give Yourself a Pep Talk
Before interview day arrives give yourself some pep talks. Say things like this aloud:
I am a superstar employee and I have the potential for greatness. I am exactly what this company needs. They need me. You should have these pep talks in front of your bathroom mirror with a confident smile on your face. I know this may sound a bit off beat or even silly but actually speaking out these words of motivation and confidence will give you a real emotional boost, like caffeine for your confidence!

Life is Bigger than the Interview
A tactic I use to put my fears in check is putting life into perspective. Sometimes we get so caught up in the drama of our lives that we forget other folks are facing scenarios worst than our own. This interview is not major surgery or a root canal. Although, some interview experiences I've had in the past may have felt just as painful as surgery, I know the interviewing process is not a life threatening situation. It does not have the potential to hurt me physically. With that awareness ingrained in my mind, the fear and nerves truly dissipate instantaneously.

If you use any or all of these tips you will have an excellent interview. Remember the employer is already interested in you. The interview is your chance to show them you are everything they want and more.