1.  Assess where you are.  After being laid off and not getting hired after multiple interviews you must check in with yourself about how you’re feeling emotionally

• Are you feeling like a failure? Are you feeling rejected?

• Being accepted is one of our most primal and primary desires in life

2.  Don’t take rejection personally. Many times, not getting the job is usually because someone else was a better organizational fit. Skills alone will not get you the job.

3.  Do your homework on the organization prior to an interview. You must know ahead of time that you will be a good fit for the organization and vice versa.

4.  Talk about your feelings to a close friend or partner. Don’t hold your feelings inside, many times they are irrational and built up because of imagined fears. A friend or partner can help you see them for what they are.

5.  Resiliency is the key to rebuilding your confidence. When stressed, do you stretch like a rubber band or snap like a twig?

6.  List your skills and abilities regardless of job title. Write without censorship. Many times you have skills that you have discounted or dismissed that are very important to your job search.

7.  Try something new and conquer a fear. If you have a fear of heights, climb a rock wall. If you fear water, learn how to swim. Conquering these fears will help you build your self-confidence. Take karate lessons or other lessons to empower yourself. Have your friends and family join you in a 5k run or a mile hike. You will feel accomplished and ready for that next job interview.

• Be Early! Allow yourself enough travel time to make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early. One trick is to do a drive-by prior to your interview. Choose a time and day that will mimic the road conditions you may experience. Drive to the company and calculate how much travel time it takes so you can estimate when you should leave your home. This helps to cut down on anxiety before the interview.

• Bring with you the job description, multiple copies of your resume, company research and any rehearsal notes. You will have time to review them before the interview. This is also an opportunity to look around and get a feel for the culture of the company.

• Upon arrival, be nice to your first point of contact! Whether it is the receptionist, security desk, executive assistant, or other front line person, be cordial and engaging. Unfortunately many people don’t make the effort and are in their own little world prior to the interview. Smile, and make small talk.

o   If you have time, ask them how long they have worked there and why they enjoy the company.  Be interested in their experience.  Many times a hiring manager relies on them for additional feedback and will come out after an interview and ask which candidate they feel best fits into the company culture.  Also, be aware that any signs of rudeness or lateness will be passed along by them to the Interviewer.

• When you meet the interviewer, smile and extend your hand for a firm handshake (Please don’t be Hercules.) Consider yourself a guest in their home and thank them for the opportunity to meet and discuss your skills and experience.

o   Remember you are first interviewing to be a part of the company and secondly for the position.  Hiring managers are thinking strategically and if you fit well with the company there may be multiple roles you can advance to later on.  Don’t limit yourself by focusing just on the current open position.

These tips will get your interview off to a great start and relieve anxiety so you can focus on showcasing your value.

Many thanks for reading and best wishes on your journey.

Rehearsal:

• After researching the company and job description to gain a handle on what the hiring manager is looking for, gather a list of possible questions you may be asked during the interview. Do some additional research on the internet using the keyword “interview questions.” Many companies prefer to ask behavioral-type questions which ask you to elaborate on how you behaved in response to a specific situation. Select 5 – 10 questions which relate to the job description and the culture of the company (make sure a few behavioral questions are in your list.)
• Brainstorm and make a list of skills you bring to the table from your past experiences. Write down everything that comes to mind and don’t censure yourself. Next score each skill according to the job requirements. Place a value from 1-5 with 5 representing highly skilled and valuable for this position. Use the highest scoring skills in your responses to the interview questions. Keep your skill sheet handy as a reference. As a good actor, practice in delivering your answers naturally and believably. These preparations will build your confidence and minimize nervous answers.

According to Business Week, only 7% of communication involves actual words. The majority is visual 55% (body language, eye contact) and vocal 38% (pitch, speed, volume, tone of voice) Now knowing this:

• Go in front of the mirror with your interview questions and skills sheet and begin to answer the questions while looking directly into the mirror. I know this sounds awkward but it’s better for you to make a weird face into your mirror than in front of the hiring manager. Be aware of any nervous expressions or movements your face or body makes. Awareness is half the battle.
• Ideally, if you can record your voice while answering the questions it will help you be aware of how fast you speak and whether you are clear and understandable. Rehearse the questions until you are comfortable.
• A mock interview is a great rehearsal technique after you are comfortable with the mirror exercise. Find a trusted friend or family member to help you and to be most effective, wear your interview outfit. Hand the questions to your partner and rehearse with them. Afterward, ask them to provide feedback on your posture, speech, and eye contact. Be open to their suggestions and update your delivery as needed.

Using these techniques will improve your poise, speech and comfort level during your interview and this level of preparedness will help set you apart.  Break a leg!