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Your
hands are damp as you wring them uncontrollably. Your
mouth is dry, and you wonder if the right words will
ever escape your lips. Your stomach is doing loop-de-loops
as you make yet another run for the bathroom. And this
is only the day before the interview.
You
s ay
you're nervous about interviewing?
You're not alone. It is very common -- and normal --
to be nervous before the interview. Feeling anxious
will raise your energy level, and that's a good thing.
But
just to be sure you don't get too nervous, here are
some tips from fellow MSN Careers members. These are
the people who are out in the trenches interviewing
in today's tight job market, and their advice will help
boost your confidence and morale. And as far as your
sweaty palms are concerned, MSN Careers member Slw600
suggests, "Deodorant on the hands works beautifully.
It actually smelled good, and my hands felt soft, warm
and dry. You have no idea how much better I felt."
Why
not try these suggestions, too?

"P reparation
builds my confidence. I review what I did at my previous
jobs so I can tie in what I can bring to the new company.
-- Pap1234
"Actually
writing down my answers to expected questions makes
it seem more like I'm going to perform in a play rather
than go on a job interview. I feel more focused about
what I am going to say." -- TalentedButUnlucky1

"Reh earse
your answers. Write them down as a script and recite
them in front of a mirror. Have backup answers, too.
You'll come across as being more confident." --
Rocknation
"The
best thing you can do is practice, practice and practice
some more. The only one who knows you and can sell you
is you. Your goal should be to effectively display the
following qualities: capability, confidence, dependability,
enthusiasm, flexibility, resourcefulness and strong
work ethic." -- Cairn
"Do
you have a friend or family member who could do a mock
interview? I found doing them to be a tremendous help."
-- Onajobhuntingvacation

"Are
you being yourself? If you are, great! You should be
able to interview and be employed with the same personality.
Some people lay it on thick for the interview. I call
that the 'Eddie Haskell syndrome.' Your tone of voice,
facial expressions and body language speak volumes about
you. Let the interviewer get to know the real you."
-- Swflorida5
"Try
this: You are having a casual conversation with someone
you know but not really well. Don't try to anticipate
the questions too much -- just respond as if it were
a conversation." -- Smac1954
"Remember,
in this country they can't skin you and they can't eat
you -- so relax." -- Hedtec

"Remem ber
when one door closes, another one opens. The fact that
you are proactively seeking advice and support says
a lot about you." -- Sisgal
"Be
kind to yourself. Call someone you know to vent, and
watch or read something that will make you smile or
laugh." -- Savvy_pro
Searching
for a job is not easy. You may find your emotions rising
and falling like a roller coaster. It's important to
keep your morale up during this period of the job search.
Keep the momentum going and don't give up. Giving up
is defeat -- and you're not a quitter. |