Ask the Coaches:
How Can I Overcome Interview Jitters?

Searching for a job can be frustrating.

Although everyone’s situation is different, there are some common hurdles most job seeker must overcome. In our Ask the Coaches series, Ivy Exec’s leading coaches respond to questions from our members. 

Your Question:

I find interviewing to be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences a person can go through? What if I don;t know how to answer a question? There are so many variables for every interview that I feel I can never be fully prepared?

Our Coaches Respond:

Do Thorough Research

Do more than just Google the company’s name and glance at the results. Find out about recent deals and news, and read about the various departments and projects. By the time of your interview, you should be able to draw an organizational chart. That information will help you ask well-informed, original questions during your interview—and really set you apart.

—Lilly-Marie Lamar

Practice, Practice, Practice

Remember that the interviewers, while weighing the many requirements of the job, also make decisions based on the likability of a candidate. Being fully prepared will help you relax, and that makes it easier to be authentic and likeable. Practice your answers in front of a mirror. Even better, have someone ask you questions as well and videotape this mock interview to see how well you are making eye contact, smiling, and appearing friendly and engaged.

— Staci Collins

Own Your Experience

If you have a gap in your career history, or some other circumstance that makes you feel you are at a disadvantage, don’t let it hurt your confidence. The worst thing to do is to pretend that the issue isn’t there. Instead, practice how you will talk about the issue in an interview. The key is to own it. You don’t need to apologize, but to simply state the facts. If you have a gap in your résumé, explain what you were doing during that time period and how that experience will make you a better employee.

—Nii Ato Bentsi-Enchill

Have a question for our coaches? Add it to the comment box and you may hear back!