Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 5 Ways to Practice Mindfulness That Will Get You Through An Interview
We've all been there, sitting anxiously in that chair, palms sweaty, mind racing, waiting to be called in for that big interview. As we think about what and what not to say, jumping from thoughts of our past interview to thoughts about how amazing it would be to get the job.
Job interviews are a common trigger of a host of powerful emotional responses; excitement, anticipation and even fear. If you've sat in the interview chair, you must be aware of the struggle to remain calm and focused. As much as we try to stay calm, our minds can race out of control.
Managing yourself through this stressful dynamic is key. Could the practice of mindfulness help you through an interview? We believe that yes, it can.
Mindfulness is when we are truly in the present, being aware and in the here and now, being fully engaged and observing life from a distance, without mindlessly judging and immediately reacting to any incentives, whether they are emotions, situations or thoughts. It can be the new foundation for successfully approaching an interview.
Mindfulness can particularly help with stress-management, focus, confidence, and enhancing performance. All of these are crucial components during a job interview. Of course, mindfulness alone is not likely to secure that interview for you. Nonetheless, the benefits that mindfulness can have are also reflected onto the interview, increasing your odds of success.
Try these mindfulness techniques in the preparation for your next interview and see if you notice a difference...
1. BE CONFIDENT
Landing an interview is a success in itself. So, first things first, congratulations! Remember to pat yourself on the back and appreciate the fact that the employer saw something in you that they liked. Being confident in who you are, your determination and your abilities scream success. To help you display confidence, smile and sit with a respected and open posture.
2. BREATHE
At the heart of every successful interview is the ability to be relaxed, this is where mindful breathing will really help. Take time to breathe and find a sense of calm before your interview starts. Focusing on breathing brings oxygen to our brains, allowing our cognitive abilities to function properly. During the interview, you can silently 'tap yourself on the shoulder' to stay focused. When you can feel your mind racing, mentally pause and 'tap'. Collect yourself and return into the moment.
3. MEDITATION
There are many ways in which meditation can help you achieve your optimum level of performance at a job interview. If you have meditated you will find it easier to focus on what you need to do next, rather than dwelling on any mistakes you might have made, or what may go wrong. Regular meditation in the run up to an interview will definitely help you will interview nerves.
4. CREATE A CHECKLIST
Prepare for your interview by doing your research and setting clear intentions. Create a checklist with a few points you want to bring into your interview. Creating a list is about focusing your attention in advance so you show up being clear about what's important to you. You can also use your list to add relevant ideas into your interview answers. This combined with being well-equipped with information about the business and rehearsing potential interview answers will be very beneficial for your success.
5. ESTABLISH A CONNECTION
Rather than trying to impress the interviewer, focus on building a genuine and respectful connection with them. Shift your negative thoughts to align with how you would speak to a close friend, with trust and compassion. Ensure positive thoughts and this will build up your confidence in your connection. Your emotional and mental state will influence the connection you have with the interviewer, so be sure to cherish it.
We hope you find these suggested mindfulness approaches useful for creating greater awareness in your interview. Please feel free to let us know on Twitter how you get on!
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- Random