Don't Get Nervous - You Are As Powerful As You Imagine!

Sitting across the table from an interviewer for a job can be a daunting idea for many. What should I say? What shouldn't I say? How can I make the best impression? All of these are good questions, and there are plenty of ways to prepare for your interview to ensure that you give your best performance, but that isn't the focus if you are a true leader!

Getting your resume reviewed, and speaking to a professional about the "dos" and "don'ts" of an interview can help prepare you for the words you want to use and the impression that you make on paper . But those things will be quickly set aside, no matter how good, if you don't realize your own potential! You have to realize what it is that makes you great! And not just a cocky, half-baked idea of how great you are in comparison to everyone else -- superiority complexes will only hurt your chances of being hired! You must truly understand who you are, and what skills you bring to the table.

When you sit in the mirror and ask yourself, "What do I do the best?" You answer will be your greatest strength. And you may have multiple strengths! You may also recognize some weaknesses, if you are honest with yourself, and you should begin to work on those immediately. When you are taking that "all important" look at yourself, you can identify where your true inner strength comes from, and you have to use THAT to get your next job!

Inner Strength comes from knowing truly what you are and what you are not. What is acceptable to you and what is not. It may even limit your choices for work in a good way because you will not be running yourself ragged to apply to all jobs everywhere. Instead, you will pick the ones that "fit" your beliefs, skills, and needs. Determine what you want as a salary and benefits, but also what kind of work interests you the most, and what experiences you want to have. That is the beginning of a focused approach to job hunting. One of my requirements to working for anyone is that they are a good leader in the company. A couple of questions about where you will be working and what the interviewer thinks of the head of that department could tell you volumes about how the company operates and how they perceive your potential boss. And that could weigh on your decision to work there. 

Also, you have to establish why you are a valuable member to the team before you enter the interview. That is where you can bring out a more confident impression during the interview. Potential employers want to see someone who can think and speak well. They want people who sit up in their chairs, look them in the eye, and present themselves in the best light possible. Honesty is a great way to make a good first impression, but there is a time when honesty turns to rambling that will hurt your chances of appearing focused and positive. To answer questions as well as possible, you will have to do some research on the company. You should also have some questions ready in your head, or in a notebook, that you want to ask the interviewer. Chances are that if you ask intelligent questions of the interviewer, you will get two benefits: 1) you will know if the job is a fit for you, and 2) the interviewer will know you did your homework and will look favorably on you when recommending you to be hired.

Your confidence in an interview comes from your preparation before the interview and your confidence in yourself as a leader. So, make sure you prepare to walk in with the right attitude to make a positive impression on your would-be boss. Show the potential employer that you are a leader who knows what you want and that you are also a self-starter prepared to do your homework from the start.