Relaxation tips for the Interview

I have been interviewing a lot of people for call center posts for a long time now. One thing that I have noticed is that the people that make it most of the time are the people who are calm and composed during their interview session. People that are too shy, or over confident get booted out immediately. Those that show a bit of humor and is quick to think out of the box get the best deals in terms of pay and job opportunity. So one of my readers have asked me what can I do to relax during an interview.

Here is what I found from Health Writer Gavin Evans:

1. Have a good night's sleep:
If you arrive exhausted your eyes and body language will probably show it. You won't be quite as sharp as you could be and you may well compensate by coming across as over-anxious.

2. Dress right:
Not the same thing as dressing smart or dressing to kill, but more a case of dressing in a way that is consistent with the impression you want to create. This will not only aid your self-presentation directly but may also make you more relaxed - knowing that you've hit the sartorial mark.

3. Eat right:
Particularly if like most of us your tummy goes funny before the big event. It's usually worth avoiding too much high fibre food (like bran and other cereals and most fruits and vegetables), and to think in terms of binding, starchy carbohydrates like pasta, which will store up your energy reserves. Also think carefully before snacking on a Mars Bar and gulping down a Caffe latte because the "rush" from sugar and caffeine might speed you up too much, too quickly.

4. Make the interview your day's sole priority:
This doesn't mean getting over-excited or obsessed about it, but rather preparing properly. Think about your diet that day, your relaxation techniques, your departure time, the possible questions, how you will present yourself, the small talk even.

5. Chill out:
The ideal is to feel at one with your interviewers and comfortable in your own skin. My own favourite is to go for a half hour morning run which puts me in the right frame of mind, but anything that works for you is worth the effort: A few minutes of quiet, eyes-closed, vacant-minded meditation; two or three deep yoga stretches; a long, hot bath, whatever it takes.

6. Go with the music:
It doesn't work for the tone deaf, but the running Ally McBeal office joke on the relation between mood and music is more ancient wisdom than contemporary American fad. But before bunging in that CD and clapping on those headphones make sure you choose something that fits your needs: soothing, abstract, Simply the Best, whatever.

7. Arrive in good time:
There's nothing more agitating than finding yourself in a tailback with five minutes to go. So plan your route and give yourself at least half an hour's leeway. If you get there too early, have a glass of water, settle yourself and get used to the environment.

8. Watch your bowels:
Think about it - the worst thing that could happen is a sudden urge to empty them two minutes before you're called to account for yourself. So try to "factor-in" a relaxed toilet break, with plenty of room for slack, so to speak.

9. Don't take them too seriously:
Your interviewers may hold your future in their palms, but deep down they're probably just as insecure and hung-up as you, and remember, they also had to sit there once upon a time. The point is they're just ordinary human beings and often the best way to get through is to relate to their humanity.

10. Prepare for surprises:
Interviewers tend to slot into roles, often without realising it. You get your devil's advocate, your inquisitor, your soul searcher, good cop, bad cop. It's easy to prepare for their standard questions - "why do you think we should employ you?" "describe your strengths/weaknesses?" "why do you want to be an investment banker/rocket scientist/secret agent?" , "why do you want to work here?"

You may also be judged more on how you deal with the loose ball. I was once thrown by: "So tell me, do you think we're a sexy company?" Often it's not so much what you say but how you respond. A smile, a chuckle and then a moment's thought can go a long way.

Hope this helps you guys out. Till the next time. :) xoxo