Long Interview ?
How to Stay Sharp During a Long Interview
Hiring a new employee is a big step for any company, and most hiring managers want to make sure the new person can fit in well with the team. This is one reason many companies require candidates to interview with a number of executives, often on the same day. For the interviewee, this situation provides the opportunity to learn about the company from a variety of viewpoints and to get to know more than one person at the company. However, interviewing with several people in one day can have a serious downside for a candidate: fatigue.
Interviewing is an exhausting sport, and most people are tired at the end of just one interview. So what if you have a full schedule of interviews lined up and need to bring your "A-game" to every one? Here are some steps you can follow to keep your energy level up:
1. Skip the late show the night before. Don't shoot yourself in the foot before you even start your interview day. Make sure you get a good night's sleep, even if your favorite celebrity is on one of the late night talk shows the night before your interview. Worried you will have trouble sleeping because of nervous energy? Try taking a hot shower or bath and reading in bed to take your mind off the interview and help you relax. A well-rested candidate will always have a head start the next day.
2. Get off to a good start in the morning. How you treat yourself the morning is extremely important. First, make sure you have prepared whatever you need to get ready the night before. Iron your shirt, make sure you have several copies of your résumé, and look up directions well in advance. This will ensure you aren't frantically running around before you have to leave. Bypass the snooze button and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Eat a healthy breakfast before you leave to make sure you have the energy you need to start your day.
3. If lunch is part of your interview, don't pack it in.
As tempting as it is to load up on fatty foods and dessert when someone else is footing the bill, resist the urge. Many people get sleepy after eating a big, hearty meal, and the last thing you want is to fall into a food coma during your post-lunch meeting. Try a salad or something on the lighter side during an interview lunch - you will be nourished without being knocked out. Steer clear of spicy or gassy foods so you don't offend those you will meet later in the day.
4. Carry some necessities with you.
If you have a briefcase or purse to take to the interview, there are a few things you can throw in to help you out. The first is a package of strong breath mints. Mints will probably give you a bit of a lift, and it never hurts to give your breath a hand, too. You might consider bringing along a granola bar or another easy-to-hide and easy-to-eat snack to help get you through the afternoon. Low blood sugar often equals fatigue and irritability. If you start to feel yourself getting hungry and tired, try to find a minute between interviews to steal a bite of your secret snack. Other necessities to include are makeup for women, a brush or comb, and anything else you might need to help you freshen up during the day.
5. Drink cold water in between interviews.
While you may crave caffeine, drinking cold water is a much better idea than downing multiple cups of coffee. Coffee and other drinks with high caffeine levels will only make you dehydrated, a condition that can have a negative effect on your performance. Whenever you get the chance, have a drink of cold water. It will keep you fresh, hydrated and awake.
6. Be active between interviews.
When you are tired, the worst thing you can do is sit still. While you can't do jumping jacks while you are being interviewed, you can find a minute or two in between interviews to get your blood flowing. Take a brisk walk, or stand up and walk around the waiting room. If no one is watching, touch your toes or try to stretch. If you have a restroom break, use that opportunity to wake yourself up. Shake out your arms and legs, splash some cold water on your face, and try to freshen up. These actions will rejuvenate you and make sure you are ready for your next big meeting.
Source MSN.
Hiring a new employee is a big step for any company, and most hiring managers want to make sure the new person can fit in well with the team. This is one reason many companies require candidates to interview with a number of executives, often on the same day. For the interviewee, this situation provides the opportunity to learn about the company from a variety of viewpoints and to get to know more than one person at the company. However, interviewing with several people in one day can have a serious downside for a candidate: fatigue.
Interviewing is an exhausting sport, and most people are tired at the end of just one interview. So what if you have a full schedule of interviews lined up and need to bring your "A-game" to every one? Here are some steps you can follow to keep your energy level up:
1. Skip the late show the night before. Don't shoot yourself in the foot before you even start your interview day. Make sure you get a good night's sleep, even if your favorite celebrity is on one of the late night talk shows the night before your interview. Worried you will have trouble sleeping because of nervous energy? Try taking a hot shower or bath and reading in bed to take your mind off the interview and help you relax. A well-rested candidate will always have a head start the next day.
2. Get off to a good start in the morning. How you treat yourself the morning is extremely important. First, make sure you have prepared whatever you need to get ready the night before. Iron your shirt, make sure you have several copies of your résumé, and look up directions well in advance. This will ensure you aren't frantically running around before you have to leave. Bypass the snooze button and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Eat a healthy breakfast before you leave to make sure you have the energy you need to start your day.
3. If lunch is part of your interview, don't pack it in.
As tempting as it is to load up on fatty foods and dessert when someone else is footing the bill, resist the urge. Many people get sleepy after eating a big, hearty meal, and the last thing you want is to fall into a food coma during your post-lunch meeting. Try a salad or something on the lighter side during an interview lunch - you will be nourished without being knocked out. Steer clear of spicy or gassy foods so you don't offend those you will meet later in the day.
4. Carry some necessities with you.
If you have a briefcase or purse to take to the interview, there are a few things you can throw in to help you out. The first is a package of strong breath mints. Mints will probably give you a bit of a lift, and it never hurts to give your breath a hand, too. You might consider bringing along a granola bar or another easy-to-hide and easy-to-eat snack to help get you through the afternoon. Low blood sugar often equals fatigue and irritability. If you start to feel yourself getting hungry and tired, try to find a minute between interviews to steal a bite of your secret snack. Other necessities to include are makeup for women, a brush or comb, and anything else you might need to help you freshen up during the day.
5. Drink cold water in between interviews.
While you may crave caffeine, drinking cold water is a much better idea than downing multiple cups of coffee. Coffee and other drinks with high caffeine levels will only make you dehydrated, a condition that can have a negative effect on your performance. Whenever you get the chance, have a drink of cold water. It will keep you fresh, hydrated and awake.
6. Be active between interviews.
When you are tired, the worst thing you can do is sit still. While you can't do jumping jacks while you are being interviewed, you can find a minute or two in between interviews to get your blood flowing. Take a brisk walk, or stand up and walk around the waiting room. If no one is watching, touch your toes or try to stretch. If you have a restroom break, use that opportunity to wake yourself up. Shake out your arms and legs, splash some cold water on your face, and try to freshen up. These actions will rejuvenate you and make sure you are ready for your next big meeting.
Source MSN.
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