The BIGG Successs Show
I Get Anxious Before an Interview. How Do I Relax?
Tricks of the trade for a smooth interview. Read the show summary at biggsuccess.com.
>> Welcome to the big success show. Today, we'll talk about how to relax during a job interview. >> The big success show with George and Mary Lynn. How to relax. Is that what you said? >> Don't do it. >> I think you're a little too relaxed, Mary Lynn. >> You don't want to be that relaxed, right? >> We received an email from Kelly. Kelly says that in the past, she's really gotten nervous when she was doing interviews. And she's got some interviews coming up, and so she'd like to get some advice on how to get over that nervousness. >> Kelly, it's pretty natural what you're going through. You know, the butterflies in the stomach. Everybody feels some sense of anxiety before an interview. But today- >> Yeah, I get birds in the stomach. >> Birds, really? >> Yeah, the wings are much bigger. >> Birds of a feather, right? Well, today we're going to share three key things that you can do, Kelly, to overcome your anxiety. >> And Kelly, it really comes down to self-confidence, and that comes largely through preparation. So, first of all, do some research. Get information on the industry and the company. If they're a public company, it's going to be a lot easier. But there's all kinds of information on all kinds of companies online. You can always Google them, obviously, check out their website. And don't forget this wonderful resource that we do tend to forget the local library. >> What? >> Hard to believe. >> Also, try to do some research on the person who's going to be interviewing you. Google them. Look for them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites, where you can learn more about them. And maybe just find some common interests that you might have. >> That's a good point, Mary Lynn. Number two is, think about the questions that they might ask and how you'll answer them. >> Yeah, just think about some of the questions you've been asked in past interviews, and then talk to friends, especially friends that you have in HR and management. >> And as you're planning your answers, Kelly, focus on what makes you unique. Good people person? Ask what everybody says, right? You know, so come up with something that makes you stand out. What is it that you'll bring to them? You'll get this if you hire me, think you view, and give specific examples of things that you actually have done to make your points. >> And number three, rehearse. Practice in front of a mirror until you're happy with what you're saying and how you're saying it. And then also, grab a friend, set them up with some questions on some flashcards and then just rehearse at role play. >> Just don't flash your friend and then grab them. That's what you're saying. (laughing) And you know, if that friend happens to be in human resources or management, that's perfect. And even if they're not, find a friend who's a good interviewee and just see how they do it. >> All right, so now we've got you prepared, Kelly, and you're confident. Coming up, how to put yourself in that right frame of mind on the day of your interview. >> Today, we're helping Kelly, who sent us her big challenge. She has trouble relaxing during an interview. We've talked about how to get prepared for it, so now we're to the day. It's that moment where you start to feel the anxiety, right, Kelly? >> Dump, dump, dump. (laughing) >> Here's the thing. A little bit of anxiety is actually a good thing. You just don't want to let it get out of control. >> That's right. Yeah, a good friend of mine told me before I was going to an interview that I was very nervous for. He said, "Hey, look, when you get in the lobby, "take some deep breaths, "and then just believe in yourself because you're good." And so I did, and I made sure not to sound like I was going into labor, though. I mean, you don't wanna, you don't want to, you know. (laughing) >> So a good friend of mine said to picture the other person naked, but then I screwed it up. I pictured myself naked. (laughing) >> It was terrible. >> The thing is, Kelly, some type of positive affirmation as you're walking in will definitely help you. And you can do it because you're fully prepared and you've practiced. >> And you're looking good. So now's the time to focus, right? We're here, the interviews upon us. Focus only on the conversation you're having right now. Don't try to anticipate upcoming questions. Deal with one question at the time. >> And remember this, Kelly, it's just a conversation. You know, pretend you're talking to your best friend. You're telling him or her all about the work you've done and the work you wanna do and why you should be hired. And there's one more thing to remember. You're not just being interviewed, you're also interviewing. You wanna find out if this is the right job for you. >> Yeah, so there you go, Kelly. Thank you so much for emailing us. And we know you're gonna do just great. If you have a big challenge you'd like us to help you with, email us through our website at bigsuccess.com. It's also where we have a written summary of today's show. And George, let's get our big quote for the day. >> You know, Marilyn, I scoured the internet to come up with just a host of intellectuals that could possibly provide us with a quote today. >> Right. >> We came up with Beyonce Knowles. >> Hey! (laughs) The triple threat, right? >> That's right. Beyonce said, I get nervous when I don't get nervous. If I'm nervous, I know I'm going to have a good show. >> Yeah, so turn your nervousness about, nervousness upside down. So when it's show time, you'll be a star. >> And next time, we'll get some lessons from two great coaches on building a winning team. >> And until then, here's to your big success. >> The Big Success Show at B-I-G-G Success.com. (crowd cheering) (music) (music) (music) [BLANK_AUDIO]