Your Interview is about to begin - It's Time to Relax
You’ve just arrived at the site of your interview, parked your car, entered the lobby, and spoke with the person at the reception area. You tell them that you are here to meet with Mr. /Ms. Interviewer and are told that s/he will be out to meet you in a few minutes, please have a seat.
Interviewing is very important and can be the difference in getting or not getting an offer. For many of us, interviewing is a source of anxiety. Sitting and waiting allows you to think, you go over your prep work, you can feel your heart beating a little faster, your palms are getting clammy, and your mouth gets that dry feeling.
Relax, take a few short breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. If need be, go to the rest room (tell the reception person where your going, and you will be right back), run cool water over your hands for a minute of so, this will help to relieve the clammy palm problem. Look into the mirror and tell yourself, “this is just a conversation you’re having with a person; you’ve had hundreds of conversations, it's no big deal”. Getting back to the lobby let the reception person know you’re back. If you are offered a cup of coffee politely decline, (caffeine is a stimulant, at this point most people don’t need additional stimulation, besides, who wants coffee breath) if you need a drink, ask for a glass of water. If you are unable to get a drink it wouldn’t hurt to have a few breath mints in your pocket that you can pop into your mouth, this will also help with that dry mouth feeling. Remember, as much as these people will be interviewing you, you will be interviewing them. As much as you want this job you want to be sure that this job is a proper fit for you.
Finally Mr. /Ms. Interviewer arrive and walk over to you saying, “Hello, you must be Mr. /Ms. Candidate, my name is Mr. /Ms. Interviewer”, as they extend their hand.
This is your first chance to make an impression, stand up straight (I’m not saying stand at attention) as they approach and take their hand with a good solid, firm grip. Shake their hand, (don’t crush it) look them in the eyes, and say something like, “it’s a pleasure to meet you, I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity” then release their hand.
Relax and have a great interview.