Healthy Living • YMCA Employment Programs
4 ways to build up your confidence before a job interview
04 May 2020 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Whether you’re applying for your first job, returning to work after a break, or leaving a familiar job for a new opportunity, job interviews can be stressful! These tips from our YMCA Employment team will help you build your confidence and shake those pre-interview jitters.
1. Write down why you should be hired
Make a list of all the reasons you’re a great candidate for the job. It doesn’t need to be worded in the way you’ll talk during your interview; the list is for you to show yourself that you have what it takes to succeed in the position. The more you realize that you can do the job, the easier it will be to communicate it to your potential employer. Bonus points if you read your list out loud to a friend or just to yourself in the mirror!
2. Prepare in advance
The day before your interview, review any instructions you have been given, lay out your interview outfit, and ensure you have copies of your resume, cover letter, and references on hand. Since you’ll probably be doing a phone or video interview these days, make sure that the devices you need are charged, updated, and ready to go. (Get more tips for preparing for remote interviews here.)
3. Plan to interview the employer
As much as the interview is about your potential employer evaluating whether you’re a good fit for the job, it’s also your chance to see if it will be a good fit for you! Think up a few questions to ask your interviewer about the position and workplace culture. You’ll feel more prepared for the inevitable point in the interview when they ask, “Now what questions do you have for me?”
4. Do a dress rehearsal
Part of what makes job interviews stressful is the fear of the unknown. What questions will the interviewer ask? How should I answer? What’s the best way to phrase my reply? The best way to overcome those fears is by practicing. Our YMCA Employment team is currently providing mock interviews remotely. Talking through your answers out loud with us in advance will help you feel well-equipped to deliver them to your interviewer.
Most importantly, remember that landing an interview means the employer was impressed by your application and wants to know more! Preparing beforehand will help you understand your own value and what you bring to the table; it will give you the confidence you need to show the employer why they should hire you!
1. Write down why you should be hired
Make a list of all the reasons you’re a great candidate for the job. It doesn’t need to be worded in the way you’ll talk during your interview; the list is for you to show yourself that you have what it takes to succeed in the position. The more you realize that you can do the job, the easier it will be to communicate it to your potential employer. Bonus points if you read your list out loud to a friend or just to yourself in the mirror!
2. Prepare in advance
The day before your interview, review any instructions you have been given, lay out your interview outfit, and ensure you have copies of your resume, cover letter, and references on hand. Since you’ll probably be doing a phone or video interview these days, make sure that the devices you need are charged, updated, and ready to go. (Get more tips for preparing for remote interviews here.)
3. Plan to interview the employer
As much as the interview is about your potential employer evaluating whether you’re a good fit for the job, it’s also your chance to see if it will be a good fit for you! Think up a few questions to ask your interviewer about the position and workplace culture. You’ll feel more prepared for the inevitable point in the interview when they ask, “Now what questions do you have for me?”
4. Do a dress rehearsal
Part of what makes job interviews stressful is the fear of the unknown. What questions will the interviewer ask? How should I answer? What’s the best way to phrase my reply? The best way to overcome those fears is by practicing. Our YMCA Employment team is currently providing mock interviews remotely. Talking through your answers out loud with us in advance will help you feel well-equipped to deliver them to your interviewer.
Most importantly, remember that landing an interview means the employer was impressed by your application and wants to know more! Preparing beforehand will help you understand your own value and what you bring to the table; it will give you the confidence you need to show the employer why they should hire you!
