Everyone knows that attending a job interview can seem like a daunting experience. The job applicant is often nervous and tense, worrying about what the person interviewing them will think about their resume and their skills. While it is true that a lot rides on the interview, it doesn’t mean that the experience has to be incredibly stressful. A little forethought and planning can go a long way and help to boost the self-confidence of the job applicant.

A job applicant should make sure that they arrive at the interview several minutes early. Arriving early will show the company that the applicant is prompt and responsible. The applicant should be dressed appropriately, not underdressed in every day casual wear, but not overdressed either: it would be ludicrous to show up to an interview in formal attire! Instead, the applicant should wear clothing that is comfortable, clean, and professional looking. Men can wear a shirt, tie and pants and women can wear attractive pants suit or a dress if they prefer. Remember, the first impression is a lasting one and it will be based on the applicant’s overall appearance.

A job applicant must be ready for anything and everything when they arrive at an interview. First, the applicant should have a duplicate copy of their resume to offer: this will display the applicant’s level of preparedness. Also, an applicant should have a list of recommendations prepared for the individual conducting the interview. Typically, the interviewer will request recommendations at or near the end of the interview process.

When the applicant first meets the interviewee they should offer their hand in greeting. A firm handshake conveys confidence. If the applicant is nervous and their palm is cold, clammy or sweaty, they should make sure that they rectify the situation before entering the room and offering their hand. So many things are conveyed in the first few minutes of an introduction and the applicant doesn’t want to leave the employer with the memory of a sweaty handshake.

When the applicant sits down for the interview they need to be mindful of their body at all times. The individual conducting the interview is likely to read body language and gestures in an effort to get a sense of who the applicant is. Therefore, applicants should avoid slouching, or fidgeting: both gestures suggest a lack of confidence and nervousness. Further, the applicant should avoid crossing their arms in front of them and they should always maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Just as the interview is a difficult process for the job applicant, it can be equally difficult for the individual conducting the interview. How does the individual conducting the interview know how to ask the right questions of the applicant? How can an individual successfully read another person; in other words, can the interviewer assess the difference between what is being said and what is not being said? Being able to read an individual’s gestures and behaviors is equally important to being able to carefully review a polished resume.

An interviewer should make every effort to make the applicant as comfortable as possible, bearing in mind that the individual applying for the job is probably nervous. A good sense of humor or a little light chatting can help break the ice and help the applicant relax before the interview process begins.

The interviewer will also want to ask specific questions during the interview that will help them really get a good idea about the applicant that sits before them. Some good questions to ask during an interview are:

What are your plans for your future in terms of your career?

What skills do you possess that you think will be an asset to the business?

How do you work with a chaotic or hectic workload?

How do you manage stress?

How well do you handle constructive criticism?

When asking the question, "What are your plans for your future in terms of your career," the applicant’s response will allow the interviewer to determine if the applicant is goal oriented and if they have established a set of obtainable goals. The goals that an applicant mentions should be further considered as it can let the interviewer know if the applicant is reasonable with their goals and objectives.

When asking the question, "What skills do you possess that you think will be an asset to the business," the applicant will be able to discover what strong points the applicant believes they have. This will also allow the interviewer to determine if the applicant is confident or not in their abilities.

When asking questions about workload and stress, the interviewer can determine if the applicant knows how to delegate duties, if they are management material and how well they function under pressure. Of course, the applicant may give the interviewer answers "they want to hear." This is when it becomes necessary to read the body gestures of the applicant. Is the applicant fidgety, nervous, sweating, or does the applicant come across as arrogant and haughty in their responses? Every minute of the interview can be revealing.