Preparation is the key to minimizing job interview stress. If you prepare everything possible at least the day before the interview, you’ll be able to focus on the answering interview questions well and avoid worrying about anything else on that day.

1. Collect all of your job search documents.
Gather together and make several copies of any job search documents you want to bring to the job interview. This may include your resume, cover letter, reference pages, performance reviews, reference letters, diplomas and anything other documents the employer may ask to see.

2. Gather together and try on all of the clothes that you’ll wear to the interview.
Ensure that your job interview attire fits well and is in good condition. Discovering a stain on your best pair of pants on the day of the interview is a source of stress that is completely avoidable. Trying on all of your clothes well in advance so you’ll have time to fix any problems before the day of the interview will eliminate a potential source of job interview stress.

3. Go to the location where the interview will be held, particularly if you have never been there.
Use whatever transportation you will use to get to the interview and try to go at about the same time of day as your job interview is scheduled. If you do this, you’ll know what traffic is like at that time of day, how long it will take to get there, where to park, whether you need money for parking meters if you’re driving, or which, if any transfers you’ll have to make if you are taking public transportation. You don’t want to worry about those things on the day of the interview, so work all of that out before your interview.

4. Research the company.
Have a look at the company website or promotional materials, or, better yet, if you know someone who works there already, ask that person about the company. Try to get a sense of the company’s priorities and, if possible, try to understand what, exactly, the company is looking for in new staff members.

5. Practice answering interview questions.
Require yourself to come up with good answers for the questions that you find most difficult. Sit with a supportive friend or family member and run through a mock interview so you can practice saying your answers to tough job interview questions out loud.

6. Set aside plenty of time for the interview.
If the receptionist told you that the interview would be approximately 30 minutes, set aside at least 60 minute for the interview. Avoid scheduling any important meetings immediately after the interview. If a job interview goes long, that’s a good sign. You don’t want to be worried about picking up a child from school or getting to an appointment on time while you are in the middle of your interview.

7. Keep things in perspective.
Remember, the employer wants to get this position filled, and he or she is hoping that you will be the right person for the job. You are not going there begging for a job, you are going there help them solve a problem for the employer. That is, if the company is hiring, that means there is an important role that is not currently filled; you are going there to show them that you have all of the skills and experience required to meet their needs.

You will probably never completely eliminate nervousness before a job interview, and that’s fine. Employers expect a certain amount of nervousness. However, if you prepare everything you can in advance, you will avoid plenty of distractions and common sources of job interview stress and minimize your feelings of nervousness.

Find out as much as you can about the company you intent to work for. Try to document yourself about everything and a thing the job you are competing for can include, the products pr services the company offers. Knowing these things will make you feel more confident when you will be asked specific questions about the company.

Make sure you are carrying with you a copy of your CV, written in a professional manner, including all details that could be of interest for that specific company.

Look your interlocutor in the eyes, because this thing shows that you have confidence in yourself and that you are focusing on the subject. Show some enthusiasm towards the firm you are trying to work for.

Dress up as professional as possible. If the company style claims the wear of a suit, the wear that suit and look as presentable as possible because that is most important and it will make just the difference you need.

Try to answer the questions, in not more than 60 seconds. That doesn’t mean that you have to answer with simple yes and no, but long answers will make the interlocutor lose his interest. And you might also lose you concentration.

Listen carefully and answer to questions directly. If you did not understand a question, ask them to explain it better to you, do not answer unless you are sure what you have been asked.

Prepare to tell them what your past activities have been and the way you consider they can influence your carrier. Give some examples that ca end up leaving a good impression of you.

Ask questions. The questions you will ask show that you are proactive and that you want to make sure this place is indeed the right work place for you.

Send a “Thank You” note at no more than 2 days after the interview. Express your interest towards the job you are interested in and thank them for their time. Even if you end up not being interested in the job anymore, you can never know if that person can’t become a great contact person for you.