Have you had more interviews than you can count and still feel like the interview process never seems to get any easier? In each interview, you’re talking to new people, with new expectations, personalities, and you’re trying to sell yourself, all while proving that you’re the perfect candidate for the role. It’s tricky, exhausting, and you need to express enthusiasm through it all. 

Every job seeker has struggled with the interviewing at one point or another and it’s important to keep in mind that the more you interview the better you’ll get at it. It’s like throwing darts–if you throw enough, you’ll hit your target eventually. However, if you’re looking for a few tips to accelerate your interviewing skills, you’ve come to the right place. 

1. Do Your Homework

A little preparation can go a long way, and the more time you spend expecting to be asked the unexpected, the more comfortable you will feel during your interview. Do industry research, browse around on the company’s website, watch some company commercials, and investigate what interview questions are most commonly asked by prior candidates who interviewed for the same or similar position. However, don’t over-do it by spending hours and hours preparing because there’s only so much that you can foresee. 

2. Learn How to Relax

When interviewing, it’s easy to let our anxieties get the best of us. Word vomit is real! However, you need to learn how to relax and to cope with those emotions. How does one do this? Unfortunately, it’s different for everyone and you have to discover what works best for you. For some people, this means reducing stressors by going to the gym and for others, it’s focusing on breathing tactics. Whatever your coping strategy may be, make sure that it works!

3. Build a Deep Connection

Okay, so now that you’ve prepared and know ways to control your anxiety, it’s time to develop a deep connection with your recruiter or the client manager you are interviewing with. Make sure you know their name and use it. Tell them your story while being relatable, quirky, goofy, and nerdy! Make yourself memorable by tickling the funny bone of the person interviewing you; maybe by bonding over a nerdy hobby, etc. Not everyone is capable of hitting it off with their hiring manager so when this does happen, it’s a special moment. Cherish it and increase your odds of having a great conversation by being relatable.  

4. Follow-Up

Lastly, make sure to follow-up! A follow-up reiterates your interest in the role and serves as a reminder to your recruiter that you’re still waiting on them. Your follow-up should include details you forgot to mention in the interview, questions, and most importantly a thank you. Don’t forget to do this within twenty-four hours after you’ve interviewed and to make it meaningful. 

Just remember that you’ve worked hard for this moment and now it’s time for the big show. You wouldn’t be interviewed if the client manager wasn’t interested in learning more about who you are, your background, and your future goals. Take a deep breath and give it your all! 

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