What factors could cost you the interview/job?

Being unprepared for the interview. You should always prepare thoroughly before any interview. (This will also make you feel more confident at the interview).

Poor/limp handshake – avoid at all costs.

Criticising previous employers. Your potential employer will be wondering what you will say about them when you leave their employment.

Being unable to communicate clearly and effectively.

Being aggressive or acting in a superior way.

Making excuses for your failings.

Controlling your nerves

It’s perfectly natural to be nervous before an interview. This nervous energy, when properly harnessed, will enable you to present yourself with energy, passion and conviction. Nerves can give you the edge you need to perform well. However, in order to do so you need to contain and control your nerves in a positive way.

If you’re too calm immediately before an interview, you may be underestimating the challenge. Alternatively you may be suppressing your nerves. Neither scenario will help you present yourself in a positive light.

It takes energy to stay calm, energy to speak in a lively and interesting way and energy to pay attention to the needs and requests of the interviewer.

Since you only have a finite amount of energy available, learning to control your nerves is important as it lets you focus all your efforts on interacting effectively with the interviewer.

Nerves can help you

When you attend an interview, you’re likely to notice one or more of the following symptoms:

Firstly, your temperature is likely to increase, you may have sweaty palms, feel slightly flushed, maybe even clammy.

Secondly, adrenaline being pumped into your system may make you feel shaky.

Thirdly, your respiration rate is liable to increase and this may make you feel stressed and panicky.

Finally, nervous energy may cause you to expend body sugar with the result that your mouth starts to feel dry.

These symptoms - increased temperature, shakiness, panic, stress and a dry mouth - can combine to make you feel extremely nervous, uncomfortable and tongue-tied.

However, research has shown they’re not necessarily signs of fear but indications that your body is gearing up to perform. Many entertainers, public speakers and competitive sports people report the same symptoms immediately prior to performing – then often go on to give the best performance of their lives.

Recognising the symptoms for what they are shouldn’t panic you - they may well enable you to perform better.

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