Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Well not if we are talking about landing your next job. You may indeed be desperate but the trick is to not let the potential employer know. In this current economic down turn, there are quite a few folks who are desperate to return to work. My advice when you are interviewing is to chill out, relax and try playing hard to get.
Here is a tip- Never say, “I will do anything to get this job.” It sounds cheap and will definitely turn off the potential employer. When you are interviewing you want to be cool and confident. Think Obama or Sully (the hero pilot) these guys keep their composure under the most difficult of circumstances. Calmly tell the interviewer why you think you are the best fit for the job and how your experience is relatable to the task at hand.
Another suggestion that I tell my clients is to practice relaxation strategies right before your interview. Remember the Brady Bunch episode where Marsha imagined everyone in their underwear, that may work for you. My strategy to relax and focus is meditating. I have been practicing meditation and focused breathing for over a decade and it works wonders when I have to speak in front of crowds or before a business meeting. Others pray, drink tea, or read, or write. I have some clients go as far as getting a massage or acupuncture to calm their nerves before an interview.
You may feel desperate and feel like everything is riding on this one interview. The best way to nail it is to relax and be confident and don’t appear too needy. The right job will come around, it always does!
Not really that desperate, but I am in need of finding a job. I’ve gone to a few interviews, and presented myself professional, but still got dumped.
The relaxation technique here does actually work quite well.
For UK readers, this is a great site for careers advice. They’re based in London.
I agree.
You want to sound eager, not desperate. Eager meaning you really want to work for the employer as opposed to needing the job.