Tips For Reducing Stress
Interviewing Skills | Office of Career Services

Reducing stress is a key component to performing effectively in an interview. Following are some tips on reducing your stress level the day of the interview.

• If given the opportunity, choose an interview time that is during your peak period of the day. Some of us are "morning people" while others of us perform better later in the day. Know what type of person you are and choose accordingly.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before your interview so that you will look and perform your best.
• Have a light meal prior to the interview. Too heavy a meal may make you sluggish and keep you from performing at your optimum level. Skipping a meal may mean that your stomach is rumbling during the interview, which can be distracting. In addition, often one interview leads to another interview immediately following the first. So, you want to be prepared if you are at the company longer than expected.
• Find the location of the interview prior to the day of the interview. If possible, drive to the site at the same time of day that you will be going to the interview and then allow some additional time for the unexpected. Know where you are going to park and what door you will enter.
• Arrive in the vicinity of the interview early and bring something with you to do or read that will take your mind off the interview and help to relax you. Fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled interview time go into the building and let them know that you have arrived.
• Don’t leave anything until the last minute.
• Have names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers of each present and past employers as well as the beginning and ending dates of employment in case you are asked to complete an application.
• Bring two black pens with you in case you need to take notes.
• Bring several additional copies of you resume and reference list for distribution.
• Keep a list of questions you want to ask with you.