How to Take the Fear Out of Interviewing

The more books and articles I read on how to conduct a great interview, the more my heart goes out to jobseekers. It's like asking an octopus for directions and getting eight different answers.

Some authors will go so far as to choose your wardrobe for you, tell you how to sit in an interview, and what jokes will guarantee you a huge guffaw (I'm not sure what that is but I think I saw one on the Crocodile Hunter.) Others provide a recipe or script and if followed to the letter, will maneuver the interviewer into offering the coveted job. The problem is that this gives the jobseeker the illusion that they can win any interview every time.

The one factor the books and articles tend to overlook is that your interviewer is human or at least a reasonable facsimile. That one factor means no one knows for sure what that particular interviewer looks for, appreciates, dislikes, is passionate about, or if their allergies will be plaguing them that day and you're going to be the closest target.

My point is to not get distracted with things you have no control over. Don't try to memorize the best answers to the "101 toughest questions ever asked." The answers won't feel or sound natural. The odds are that the question won't be handed to you in the same words as the book. You will get so focused on looking for the opportunity to deliver your memorized answer that you miss the fact that every question is an opportunity to sell your skills.

Don't try to be someone or something you're not. It would be extremely exhausting to maintain the role or have to recreate it if they call you back for multiple interviews. What do you plan to do if they offer the job based on the role you played? Get comfortable with whom you are and what you have to offer. Focusing on being you will free up the mental and physical energy to promote your skills, experience and knowledge.

My advice is simple. Focus on the things you can control. Recognize and be able to explain how you would be an asset to their business. Research the company to understand where you could fit in and why they need you. Relax and realize that it is just an interview. Treat every interview as a chance to meet employers and share information. That way you are guaranteed each interview will be successful.