Don’t Be Intimidated in Your Next Interview

Walking into a job interview is stressful enough, but facing an intimidating interviewer can stop the most confident candidate in their tracks. Intimidation is one of the oldest tricks in the book and it’s often used as a test to see how a potential employee holds up under pressure. Or sometimes it’s just because the interviewer is difficult. Either way you slice it, it’s unpleasant to deal with.

Sandra Naiman, author of “The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work,” says that a little nervousness is to be expected, “but you only need to be calm enough to look competent and confident of your abilities.” It’s sound advice.

You may put more pressure on yourself by aiming for a rock solid demeanor, but “calm enough” is always possible. Here are few basic tips to help take the edge off.

There’s no such thing as too much preparation

Preparing for the interview in advance will help you counter any potential intimidation. Know the mission statement of the organization. If possible read an annual report and pay attention to any public statements made by company leadership. Be sure to check out their social networking pages for the most current information.

You should be able to fluidly answer essential questions, such as why you want to work for the organization, what your experience is and how it applies to the position you want. Anticipating the questions and being ready with answers is critical to your preparation. The more comfortable you are speaking the more poised and confident you’ll appear.

Maintain eye contact

Have you ever had an interviewer stare at you in a way that makes you squirm? That’s another lovely technique to rattle your bones. Don’t fall for it. As a candidate, maintaining eye contact in a natural way is a display of respect and it shows confidence. Stay focused and be sure to make eye contact with everyone in the room as you are answering questions.

Give yourself a moment and don’t forget to breath

If you start to feel anxious, take a moment to think about the question. Allow yourself a few breaths before answering. By regulating your breathing and taking that brief pause, you’ll regain your equilibrium and come across as strong and thoughtful.

Try to let go of interview elements you have no control over. You can only be responsible for your own behavior. Employers usually know exactly what they’re looking for and there are many things at play during the process. Put your best foot forward and don’t take it personally.