Ask Matt: Overcoming Interview Fears

Dear Matt: I'm horrible at interviews; I get so nervous I can hardly speak. I'm a great worker with a strong work history who wants to look for a new job, but I am afraid of the interview process. How can I overcome this fear?

Matt: You are not alone, says Norma M. Beasant, a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Eagan-based Blue Cross andBlue Shield of Minnesota.

"Many people become nervous before a job interview," says Beasant. "This fear is a result of wanting to do well and to impress the interviewer. Even though the interviewer is in control, he or she is a person just like you who at one time or another was at the other side of the table, being interviewed."

I agree with Beasant when she says that in many cases, fear of the interview comes from not being properly prepared. The question now is - how do you become properly prepared? Here are some tips from Beasant:

Study the job itself and compile a list of accomplishments you have that relate to the requirements of the position.

Once the interview starts, relax, smile and listen to everything everyone is saying. Do not talk too much. Even though the rule in recruiting is that the candidate speaks 80 percent of the time, the interviewer is controlling the process and you do not want to come across as too eager to impress by talking too much.

Be friendly and never arrogant. The interview is not a time to provide personal and political opinions. Have a positive attitude and sell yourself in relation to the job you are interviewing for.

If you are uncomfortable talking with people in these types of situations, consider joining a group like Toastmasters, or attend a class on interviewing with the Minnesota WorkForce Center (mwa.deed.state.mn.us /mnwfc/WorkshopList.aspx).

While you can practice interviewing with a friend or family member, I recommend trying to practice with someone you are not familiar with through a job club or class, that way you can practice with people who you are not familiar with, training you to talk about your skills and successes in an environment that is unfamiliar to you - like a real interview scenario. If you can, videotape or tape-record the interview and review it for ways you can improve.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. This column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.