13 Tips for Not Sweating the Big Interview

A job seeker recently asked me what to do if he sweats … profusely!  He is very self conscious of his sweaty palms and the actual sweat beads that form on his face.  Here are some strategies that will absolutely alleviate these symptoms:

Tip #1:  The more prepared you are, the less you will sweat.  So, practice your interview technique – not just for 1 hour, not just for 5 hours.  Conduct at least 10 mock interviews with someone who can throw really tough questions at you and help you to focus on the answers.  If you are focusing on the answers, and proving the worth you bring to the company, you will not, and cannot focus on your sweating.

Tip #2:  Have a list of things that must be done 2 days before an interview, 1 day before an interview, and the day of the interview. Follow this routine religiously so there could be no hiccups. 

Tip #3:  Try on your interview suit 2 – 3 days before the interview.  Ensure it’s totally clean, that it fits well and that you feel good wearing it.  Make sure it’s comfortable to wear whether you are sitting across a desk, or sitting on a couch.

Tip #4:  Have 5 copies of your (error-free) resume in a leather portfolio, just in case the interviewer misplaced before you interview. You have just solved a problem for them … good move already!  Make sure you have a pen easily available and that it works!

Tip #5:  Have 5 – 7 questions written down in advance, on the writing pad in your portfolio case.   This way, you won’t forget which questions you want to ask. It’s totally acceptable to pull out your portfolio and read the questions (not verbatim – you should practice them too!) and take notes if you like.

Tip #6:  Read something peaceful and relaxing when you wake up the morning of the interview.  Do some simple stretching exercises because it just makes you feel so much better.

Tip #7: Get there 45 minutes to 1 hour in advance and read something relaxing again.  If music is calming for you – put some calming music on your ipod and relax.  Set your alarm on your mobile phone, just in case you get a bit too relaxed!

Tip #8:  Arrive at Security 20 minutes before your interview – sometimes this takes a while and you want to make sure it’s smooth as silk with plenty of time to go!

Tip #9:  Ask your interviewer what the follow-up steps will be like.  Will they contact you in a week or two weeks?  Can you call them the next week to follow up?  This makes things very clear which is appealing in business.  It also allows you to focus on what needs to be done during the interview .. instead of thinking about sweating too much.

Tip #10:  Make sure you leave with their business card, so you can send a thank you note.  Why have anxiety about how to contact them properly after the interview.

Tip #11:  If your palms still sweat, wipe the leg of your pants before you shake their hand.

Tip #12: Bring a cloth hankie to wipe any beads of sweat off your face.  Don’t use a tissue because you could leave tissue fragments all over your face – not a good way to make a great first impression.

Tip #13:  Pray to your higher power (if you have one) and give it up to them.  Once you’ve done everything you can to succeed, give up your anxiety - that has a way of calming people down a bit!