Feeling the Company

Whether you're currently employed or not, you're during a job search but aware of your tendency to get nervous when facing an unfamiliar hierarchy. The goal is, of course, to make a good impression and showcase your skills for the position you're aiming for. Everything seems set to make you lose your composure or at least feed you negative opinions about yourself and your abilities.

Before heading to a job interview, it's crucial to research the company thoroughly to get a sense of the environment you'll be entering. Generally, the unknown can be intimidating, and not knowing about a company where you hope to be hired underscores the importance of gathering as much information as possible. Visit the company's website to gain a better understanding of your potential future role within the organization. This research will also help you grasp the company's spirit, shared values, goals set by the CEO, and the overall ambiance.

If possible, find out who will be present at the interview. If that's not feasible, check professional social networks for information on the employees. Look at their faces, as you can often learn a lot just by observing someone's expression. This preliminary investigation will confront you with the reality of the company, rather than your assumptions about it and what it might expect from you. Being factual about what awaits, whether positive or negative, will help you prepare mentally.

Preparing for Sleep

Approaching a job interview can feel like the night before an exam. You might worry about forgetting everything due to anxiety. In this case, getting to sleep might be challenging. Don't put pressure on yourself. Prepare for a good night's sleep in the best way possible. Avoid spending too much time watching TV or on your phone late at night, and don't eat or go to bed too late. If anxiety about the interview builds up, do everything you can to arrive relaxed. There's a distinction between being rested and being relaxed. While it's easy to say you'll sleep well, achieving it isn't always straightforward. Lie down in bed and consider having a suitable herbal tea for relaxation. Even if sleep doesn't come immediately due to anxiety and excitement about the interview, don't fight it. Live in the moment and welcome it as it is. You can't change it anyway. Relaxing and accepting that you might not fall asleep right away will help you drift off.

By researching the company and managing your sleep and relaxation, you'll be better prepared mentally and physically for the interview, increasing your chances of success.

Calm Through Breathing

The day of the interview is here, and you've just checked in at the company's reception. During this brief waiting period, take the opportunity to observe what's happening around you with a smile. Be open and experience the moment as if you were already a long-standing part of the company. Adopt a positive and engaging posture. Approach the interview as a game, reminding yourself that everyone in the company went through the same process. Connect with your surroundings, be physically rather than mentally present. Begin by practicing some abdominal breathing. Breathe deeply, allowing your belly to expand moderately, slowing your heart rate and enjoying the moment. This exercise will help you stay grounded in the present and be yourself during the interview.

Stay True to Yourself

During the job interview, many recruitment agencies might advise you to behave in a certain way or highlight specific skills to align with the employer's search and increase your chances of being hired. While it's certainly important to showcase attributes relevant to the job, I advise against strictly following such guidance. Remember, recruitment agencies are often profit-driven and focused on placing their candidates. They are compensated for placements, not for the employee's success within the company. To succeed in an interview and remain relaxed, be yourself. Don't fabricate a persona that isn't yours, as it will become apparent over time. Show your true self and observe the reactions it elicits from your interviewer. An interview conducted with spontaneity, seriousness, and professionalism is more likely to succeed than one that is overly structured and cold. Interviews can be uncomfortable for both the recruiter and the candidate. Breaking through this formal barrier can align you more closely with the company's vision for the position. Being authentic can open more information and create a stronger connection with your interviewer. Remember, you've been shortlisted to help this company, so consider yourself as such. Show them what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to their vision for the role.