Help - Interview jitters
 

Hey all! I have an interview tomorrow morning with a panel of four people, and am really nervous about it!
This is a pretty big administration job - school to career coordinator for a fairly large public school system. The job entails overseeing the career development curriculum for all
K-12 schools, coordinating career fairs, college fairs, assisting students transition from high school to direct jobs, apprenticeships, tech school and college, serving as a liaison between the school and the business community, writing grant requests etc.

Like I said, it is extensive and pays really well! I felt I was kinda of reaching on this position as far as experience goes, and applied on a whim. Now I've got this interview, and I'm SO nervous! I'd like to have the job now that I've had some time to think about it, but would still be okay if I did not get it. It would be a great stepping stone for my future plans in counseling.

I'm worried that my nerves are going to paralyze me tomorrow and I'm going to get all tongue-tied and do horribly! Any last minute suggestions for calming the nerves, any last minute mind talk any of you can suggest? Thanks so much!

Don't have any secrets for "stage fright" except confidence. You've come this far, just look 'em in the eye and tell them you're the best possible person for the job.

Best of luck. Let us know how the interview goes.

Good Luck :D

Try to find out what you can about the people you'll be meeting with, not only will it use up your nervous energy, but it will help you feel prepared for the interview.

Some advice a recruiter gave me once: Imagine you're an actor playing a part, rather than a job candidate. Also, if you're asked a question but draw a blank on an answer, you can try to clarify the question a bit - this gives you a little time to think, plus you'll be sure you're correctly interpreting and answering the question.

This same recruiter presented me to a company where I was interviewed by six people at once... and I tripped over an easel on my way into the conference room :eek: But I still got the job.

Good luck tomorrow! :)

When Donald Trump was on Oprah, someone asked him about interview jitters. He told the person: think about what you're going to do AFTER the interview is over. If it's going out with friends, think about that. If it's lying in bed eating ice cream and watching TV, think about that. It will put you in a good, enthusiastic mood and make you calmer.

These are great suggestions - thank you so much! I'm going to bed here shortly so I'll get a good night's sleep (maybe!). I appreciate you all and will update later!

rho4life - I have found out about three of the people, but the fourth is still a mystery! I'm wondering if he is a consultant of some kind because he is not listed on anything for the system. One is also from a neighboring community college, and perhaps he works with her there. No clue!

5mg of valium

This sounds strange, but sit a day or so beforehand and just visualize yourself kicking ass. It helps. It's something athletes do before a big game/event to focus on what they need to do to succeed. Take note of what your "daydream" self is doing. Posture. Affect (facial expression). What's running through "your" mind? Model that as best you can.
Another thing to consider is that the person who is interviewing you may not be much older or may be inexperienced at giving interviews, hence he/she will be almost as nervous as you and totally relates. If the person is much older or experienced, then they will have seen many a jittery person through the years. If you come across as *too* confident they may find you arrogant or cocky and not want to hire you. A bit of awkwardness can be endearing. Just don't throw up on them or anything. :p

Good luck! You'll do fine!