Just the thought of an interview can set your heart a-thumping. Even the word itself–interview–can bring on cold hands and stomach jitters. When you enter the office and face the employer you may have yet another outbreak of stress-fuzzy thinking and nervous chatter-all of which can result in losing the opportunity to make a good first impression toward landing the job.So what can you do to rid yourself of these unwanted behaviors? How can you appear calm, cool, and collected, and at your best?

Try these three simple stress-reducing techniques and notice how your self-esteem will rise.

1. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes ahead of your appointment. Spend five of those minutes listening to soft music, and deep breathing with your eyes closed, before leaving your car.

2. Visit the rest room on your way to the interview site. Check your appearance,
smile into the mirror and say the following affirmation silently or aloud if you’re alone: The employer and I connect immediately. He/she sees me as the ideal candidate for this job.

3. Enter the company’s lobby or waiting room and take a moment to observe your
surroundings, to introduce yourself to the receptionist, and to sit quietly and review
your notes.

Take Charge Now!

Most important: PLAN AHEAD. Never allow yourself to ‘wing’ it. Take the active approach. Stress, like wild fire, will spread quickly and consume you if you don’t block it before it reaches you. Then move into the interview as a confident and balanced individual-a professional well suited to fill the job opening.

Stepping Out of Your Career Comfort Zone