Interview Today - Freaking Out!

[spiderspray]

I've been a SAHM since 2010, and was laid off for about a year and a half before that. I haven't interviewed in quite some time, and I have one this afternoon.

I have never been this nervous before an interview.

Give me your best interview tips. What did someone say to you during an interview that made you all

I do not want to be that story that managers tell to get a good laugh at happy hour.

[countthestars]

Good luck! You will do great! Take your time to answer the question - stop and think about what you want to say. It is much better to pause than to blurt something without thinking. Don't fidget, pull your hair back if it will be distracting and be yourself!!

Report back!

[Deleted]

Good luck!

[onomatopoeia]

Don't ramble. Sometimes interviewers will just sit there and wait, which is when I get tempted to start babbling thinking they are expecting more. Answer the question, then sit there with a pleasant smile on your face.

Sometimes it helps to acknowledge at the beginning of the interview that you're a little nervous, ha ha, big smile, but it's great to meet you all and I'm looking forward to discussing how I can contribute to your company, etc. It gets it out there, and it breaks the ice a bit.

Listen to some feel-good music on the way. I have a song that I listen to before I have a big presentation that always makes me feel confident and puts me in a "I can do anything" mind-set. It doesn't need to be a "hear me roar" sort of song, just a song that just makes you happy.

ETA: if you do find yourself messing up an answer, or wanting to start over, take a deep breath and admit it. I had to give a presentation once as part of an interview and a piece of equipment they provided for it didn't work. I got momentarily flustered and totally messed up my opening. I stopped, looked around, was upfront (but easy-going) about it and asked if I could start again. I almost died on the inside and thought my chances were screwed. Not only was I offered the job but they said the way I handled myself actually impressed them.

Good luck!

[purrbox]

At the end of an interview, I've always been asked, "Do you have any questions for me?" So, try to think about this one beforehand, and if they ask you this question, pop out one really well thought out question that shows you're really interested in working there.

Also, keep good eye contact, give plenty of smiles, thank them for their time afterwords, and pop a thank you card in the mail (or email) shortly after you get home.

Good luck!