3 steps to prepare for an interview or job interview

We are nervous before the interview. Sometimes so much that we literally lose our temper. Because of this, the brain begins to think wrong, and the appearance clearly betrays our state of panic.What is preparing for an interview, how to make a good impression and what to do so that the excitement does not become stronger than the founder of the network of Schools of Communication and Arts “MDV” told us, a coach in public speaking and effective communications Dmitry Mezentsev.Step 1. Learn all about the company and study your interviewerA step so often overlooked, but one that can give you the key to a positive decision. You should find out as much as possible about the second part during the interview.First, information about the company. Study not only the official website, but also competitors, reviews, consumer and employee reviews. What are the main and additional activities of the company? When was it created and what is its mission? What place does it occupy in the market? Who is its leader? So, if the company builds with sustainable materials, you can research this topic in advance and show your interest in safety and environmental concerns. Second, information about the interlocutor. Finding out something about a person is not so difficult now. People are talking about themselves, going out into the public sphere through social media, pages on the organization’s website and personal blogs.Learn literally everything possible: from name and position to your favorite color or food preferences. Thus, you can build a whole strategy to influence the feelings and thoughts of the interlocutor. You may have lived in nearby areas before or studied at the same university. Such discoveries are often the beginning of good relationships. Or, knowing the favorite color of the interlocutor, you can add it to your image, if appropriate. Photo source: aleksandarlittlewolf on FreepikStep 2. Think about your image and behaviorEverything is important in an interview: the appearance, the clothes, the environment, the room. Even the way you sit: upright, on the side of a table, on the edge of a chair, etc.Here are some details that will help you “get used to the role” of a confident person:Direct the body slightly towards the interlocutor. The tips of the shoulders, the face and the toes of the fingers should face the person you are communicating with. Never keep your hands under the table. It creates a feeling of stealth, like you want to hide. The neck, collar and shoulder area should be relaxed. Listen to the interlocutor with interest, with an open gaze, periodically raising your eyebrows and nodding your head. The lips should not be tightly closed: this way a person looks pinched and tense.When we look relaxed and confident, we create a pleasant impression on the interlocutor, he produces the hormone oxytocin, the action of which affects decision-making. Find out in advance what format the interview will be in: a conversation, tests, questions about the specialization, etc. Take an interest in the company’s dress code and create an appropriate image: it can be a formal suit, a shirt and a sweater. The main thing is to match the style of employees of a particular organization. You must speak clearly, through pauses, calmly and loudly. Try not to procrastinate, speak “in a low voice” or indiscriminately. The interlocutor will have to ask you again, force your hearing to understand all the words. Ultimately, it causes irritation.Think about your surroundings in advance. Nothing should distract you. The situation where children repeatedly come to you, when the sounds of a game console come from the next room and the kitchen – a working meat grinder, it can make you feel like you are not you’re not prepared for the interview and you’re not serious about things. If the interview takes place online, there should be neutral interior elements in view. No personal hygiene items, children’s toys and food. Even at home you can create the impression of a working environment. Image source: FreepikStep 3. Activate your mind for productive workWhen you go to a job interview or an interview, you get nervous, there is a release of cortisol and adrenaline. We are tense: there is a body clamp, due to which the cognitive functions of the brain suffer: attention and memory. There is no escaping excitement, it is a normal body reaction to something unfamiliar and frightening. So, the words “don’t worry, pull yourself together” won’t be enough on their own. First, you need to remove the muscle clamp. To do this, you can force and relax your muscles: do physical exercises, jump. You can also do breathing exercises and practices, but even if that’s not possible, breathe deeply, concentrate, feel the breath without being distracted. When the stress level drops, the brain is filled with oxygen, you will feel the same mood – thinking is activated. At the same time, the excitement may remain, but it will no longer be strong enough to absorb all of your attention.