Yogi Berra famously said, “90% of the game is half-mental.” In all competitive endeavors, participants must lean into their mental toughness and preparation in order to yield positive results. This truth remains just as pressing and timeless outside of sports. Mental health awareness has skyrocketed in recent years, and tastemakers across industries have placed more emphasis on the previously ignored mental considerations of the workforce.
When preparing for a job interview, every job seeker needs to be knowledgeable, poised, and confident. However, these traits don’t always come naturally. Thankfully, they can be practiced and honed through focused interview preparation. Here are six steps to help you mentally prepare for your next job interview.
1. Know Yourself
The focal point of your job interview will, of course, be you. While technical proficiency is a must, the majority of the questions and conversation will pertain to your personal and professional experiences. These talking points will be drawn explicitly from your application materials.
Your resume, in particular, is often the only window into your personality and background that your interviewer may have. Therefore, you should know exactly what it contains, what questions could naturally arise regarding its contents, and how to respond. If you know your resume like the back of your hand and are able to expand upon key details, you will be mentally prepared for more than 50% of the questions coming your way.
2. Know the Firm
Beyond your work experience, the interview will also reliably revolve around your fit for this particular company. Have a clear understanding of the organization’s core values, hiring process, and company culture so you can relate your experiences and tailor your answers to what matters most to them.
Being prepared is your sharpest weapon in the interview arsenal, so do your due diligence as it pertains to your prospective employer. A recruiter can often help by providing insider knowledge about the company’s expectations and workplace environment.
3. Focus on Establishing Rapport
After you’ve mastered the nitty-gritties, you can turn to the softer aspects of your interview prep. Throughout your preparation and mock interview scenarios, your primary focus should be on establishing meaningful rapport with your interviewer. This can be done through the following strategies:
- Don’t over-rehearse your answers. Have a bulleted outline of your responses and fill in the details naturally.
- Listen intently to your interviewer’s perspectives and respond using similar language and tone.
- Ask thoughtful questions throughout the interview.
- Make eye contact, smile, and speak confidently and steadily.
If your interviewer leaves with a positive impression of your communication and personality, you’re one step closer to landing the job.
4. Expect the Unexpected
One of the best interview tips is to accept that you can’t prepare for everything. Rigidly memorizing dozens of questions and answers might not help if the conversation takes an unexpected turn.
Instead, focus on adaptability. Practice articulating fresh thoughts as they come. Listen closely to the actual words your interviewer uses, and think of your interview as a conversation, not a test. Relax, adjust, and react. If a brain teaser or tricky question arises, take a breath, explain your thought process, and demonstrate how you handle uncertainty with composure.
5. Calm Your Mind and Body
In the days leading up to the interview, invest in techniques that relax your mind and body. Take breaks from your job interview preparation to refresh your thoughts with calming activities like meditating, walking, or reading.
Similarly, relieve physical tension with light exercise. Going for a short run or walk on the morning of your interview can improve mental clarity and reduce stress, helping you feel more grounded and alert.
6. Lean Into Your Resources
Leverage every available resource to strengthen your interview preparation. Watch free videos, read blogs with interview tips, or take practice interviews online. Tap into your professional network and ask for interview tips. Better yet, work with a recruiter who can help you sharpen your responses, offer feedback, and boost your confidence.
Recruiters are not only experts in the hiring process; they’re also invested in your success. They’ll help you present yourself in the best possible light, and ensure you’re well-positioned to impress hiring managers.
Connect with TalentSpark
In today’s competitive job market, you need a search partner who understands the nuances of interview preparation and candidate experience. TalentSpark, Idaho’s #1 recruiting firm, takes a personalized, highly tailored approach to every job seeker’s goals and strengths.
By working with a recruiter who understands your experience, values, and desired workplace culture, you can increase your chances of landing the right opportunity. We source the leads, make the introductions, and support you throughout the hiring process.
Get in touch with TalentSpark today – we can’t wait to help you build confidence and clarity for your next interview.
