Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for joining me here on the career couch again this week!

So, it finally happens…the phone rings and the person on the other end is a recruiter or a hiring manager. After they give their name and mention where they are calling from, you will usually hear something like, "I'm currently looking for someone to join our team. I have your resume and I would love to chat with you about your background." Then, if all goes well, after talking for a bit you hear the magic words, "Would you be able to come in and meet with us?" YIPPEEE! Those are the words you've been longing to hear, and the words you've been dreading, all at the same time. Wait…did I just say "dreading?" Yep, that's right! Not in all cases, of course, but for most folks right about now is when you panic for a moment and a chill runs down your spine. "OH (insert expletive)!!! WHAT DO I DO NOW?!"

OK, so I think you get the picture and right about now is when I get an email or a phone call from you telling me that you have an interview lined up and asking me if we can set up a time to chat before the interview because you're unsure of what to do and generally a bit freaked out!

This might sound a somewhat over the top, but I can tell you that it does happen. Now, the question is why? I mean, you've been on this job search for a while and you desperately need to find gainful employment. After searching, and worrying, and searching some more, why would you be dreading an interview? Most of us do get a little bit stressed when we feel as though we are put on the spot. There's really not much that's pleasant about being put under a microscope, right? I have found that many candidates feel as though they are up for an interrogation rather than a job interview.

Well, guess what!..I'm here to propose that it doesn't have to be that way. Below are some ways you can approach an interview that can alleviate some of the stress and help you to keep your cool!

1. Turn The Tables – Keep in mind that you're not the only one being interviewed here. You are also interviewing the recruiter! Yep, that's right! No matter how badly you need the job or want it, if it's not a good fit from your perspective you won't be happy. So interview them. Find out all you can. Give them a look-see and decide if you want to hire them as your employer! See how I flipped that around and turned it sideways? The interview process is a two way street!! Go into the interview with the knowledge that you are in the driver's seat! You are meeting with them to find out if you will both be happy with the arrangement. Don't ever forget that you have power here, too! ;-)

2. Prepare With Confidence – Be sure to prepare. The more prepared you feel, the less you will feel stressed out by the situation and the more confidence you will have going into the interview. Have copies of your resume ready to go and your business cards (and yes, everyone should have business cards!) tucked away in a place that's easily accessible. Have your wardrobe and your travel path all figured out well in advance. That way you won't be rushing around like a crazy person and stressing yourself out the day of the interview.

3. Alleviate The Pressure – I know this is going to sound crazy, but there's no need to approach this like a high-stress situation. It's not!! It's all just part of the game. So take a few deep breathes. Go to a yoga class and stretch it out, go for a run or hit the gym before your interview…do whatever helps you to decompress and put things into perspective. It will also help you burn off any nervous energy, so you look and feel relaxed and refreshed. ;-)

4. Interrogate – Yep, that's right, have some questions of your own prepared. Ask things like, "Where do you see this role going over the long term?" or "Can you tell me about the other members of the team?" Heck you can ask anything from compensation questions to inquiries about the company culture and the department's role it that culture. Having some questions of your own ready to ask is always good in an interview situation, and it will give less of an "inquest" feel to the interview. ;-)

OK, so those are just a few suggestions on alleviating stress before an interview, but I'm sure you get the idea. The important thing here is to remember that this is not an inquest or an inquisition. It is just a meeting to find out if both parties want to pursue a business relationship going forward, or if you will happily go your own separate ways. Either way remember that you have power in the situation. You have some control! So, keep your cool and have some fun with the interview process. You might actually have some fun! ;-)

Until next time…stay tuned!