4 Easy Interview Tips: Face Your Fears

October 22, 2013 Eric Fox Comments off

4 Quick & Easy Interview Tips

With Halloween just a couple weeks away, we are talking about common fears found in the business world. This week it is the fear of being interviewed. Do you get nervous or anxious before an interview? Are you stressed for a whole week before going on that interview for the job you have always wanted?

Interview fear is common for many people, and it can express itself in many ways. You may simply get sweaty palms, or perhaps your heartbeat speeds up, you get a dry throat or your voice cracks. Sometimes your mind may just go blank. Here are four interview tips that will help you relieve the pressure you feel and do great in any interview.

1. Be prepared. Practice your answers ahead of time. You can even have a friend interview you with a list of those difficult interview questions that may catch you off guard. Another great tip is printing out the job description so that you can read over the qualities and qualifications they are looking for. Be prepared to discuss why you have the qualities and how you have gained the experience. Make sure you have an extra copy of your resume, cover letter, and references; and always be a few minutes early to your interview (so make sure you know how to get there!).your voice cracks. Sometimes your mind may just go blank. Here are four interview tips that will help you relieve the pressure you feel and do great in any interview.

2. Relax! Practice your favorite relaxation technique before the interview. It could be taking a few deep breaths or listening to your favorite music on the drive to the interview. You may even choose to exercise the morning of your interview to work off some of that nervous energy. Whatever puts you in a more comfortable state of mind can help you stay calm during the interview.

3. Think of it as a conversation. Answer their questions, but remember it is okay for you to ask questions too. Just as the Hiring Manager wants to know if you’re the right fit, you should feel the same about the company. This also shows the Hiring Manager that you are interested in the company and have put some thought into the position you will fill there. And it’s always helpful to take you off the back foot for a minute.

4. Be friendly. Feel free to exchange some friendly banter before and/or after the interview. It lets the interviewer know that you are friendly and will be a good addition to the office environment. Let them know that they can contact you if they have follow up questions or need any additional information.

Follow these four tips to walk out of every interview feeling confident and relaxed. Just be sure to send that follow up note thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration!

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Scared of Stress? 7 Effective Stress Management Techniques

October 14, 2013 Jeff Nelson Comments off

7 Effective Stress Management Techniques

It seems the older we get, the more stress that surrounds us. Remember being a kid? I didn’t have a care in the world. My parents worked to supply me with food, shelter and other essentials. Suddenly, one day I blinked, and now I am the one supplying the essentials and taking care of a family of my own.

As we get older, it becomes more and more important to practice effective stress management techniques. Did you know that 75-90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints? But, with all of the responsibilities of work and home life, one is bound to get stressed out. How can we deal with the stressors of daily life in a healthy, effective way?

Now as much as I like the old “Rat Pack” mentality of burying your stressors with scotch and cigarettes, that, unfortunately, isn’t the healthiest solution and only provides a temporary escape from reality. In addition to mental stress, you’ll be putting physical stress on your body. Not the best combination.

Here are 7 effective stress management techniques that work for me!

Exercise – Working out is a great stress reliever. Your mind is more focused on the next rep and less worried about your stress. Not a gym rat? No problem. Take a 2 mile walk or jog around the neighborhood. If you’re worried you’ll get caught up in conversation with a neighbor then don your Oakley’s and your ear buds. This will give them the hint that you’re focused and unable to converse.

Read – Reading can be the perfect, healthy break from reality. Whether you’re into thrillers, biographies or US Weekly, reading can help relax you and also strengthen your brain.

Take a soak – Try taking a warm bath (after the gym, of course) with some lavender bubble bath. Your muscles will thank you, and the scent of lavender will help keep you calm and relaxed.

Stay busy – I personally like to go outside and get yard work done when I’m stressed out. I get some fresh air, a nice workout and I get to enhance my curb appeal. Knocking a couple of things off the “Honey Do” list always makes me feel accomplished and less stressed.

Get some air – Go to a state park, and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Bring some binoculars along and bird watch. You’ll get some exercise, fresh air and relax to the soothing birth calls. Taking a step back from what is stressing me out to enjoy nature always makes me feel rejuvenated.

Visit friends – Take a road trip to see some old friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Reminiscing about the past will be a refreshing break from your daily stressors.

A round of 18 holes – Playing golf allows me to combine a few of the above healthy stress relievers together to encompass the ultimate in stress reduction. I just call a few friends and plan an outing, and we end up having a great time. Just don’t overdo it on the libations when the beverage cart rolls by.

Try implementing a few of these healthy stress reducers the next time you’re stressed out, and you’ll be feeling better in no time! What do you do when you’re stressed out? Please share with a comment below!