pumpedYEAH – you finally got the call! They want you, they really want you – of course they do!

The job interview date is on your calendar but it’s a few days away – and now it happens, panic sets in and you’re starting to doubt yourself. Don’t! Follow these tips to keep yourself pumped up for a great job interview:

Do a quick flashback

Think about all the awesome stuff you’ve accomplished, how you’ve solved problems, made people’s lives better. If you need to, write them down and tape them in places where you’ll see them and read them to yourself when you’re feeling nervous – especially the day of the interview – it’s a confidence booster!

Get psyched

When you’re feeling anxious or nervous about something, it’s always a great idea to do something physical to help release all that emotional energy. Go for a run, dance (who cares who’s looking), sing at the top of your lungs (who cares who’s listening), listen to whatever music gets you psyched, hip hop, electro, rock n roll, etc. – turn it up! This might sound a little crazy but it will help reduce your stress and put you back into a more centered place.

Get Motivated

It’s easy to let doubt creep into your mind when job searching but don’t let it. Keep yourself motivated through inspirational quotes (don’t roll your eyes – it’s not as lame as it sounds – it actually works). Here are a few of our faves:

“Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential.” — Winston Churchill

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” — Og Mandino

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Call a friend

On the morning of your interview, call or have a friend (or your spouse, mom, dad – whoever makes you feel good about yourself) call you for a quick pep talk. They will remind you that you’re qualified, experienced or whatever you need to hear to get you pumped up for your interview. If there isn’t anyone around, listen to a motivational talk while you’re in the car driving.

They can’t eat you

Remind yourself that the interviewers are human just like you, they’re just people, they’re not better than you and it’s not an interrogation, just treat it like a conversation.

Perfect your introduction

Stand in front of a mirror and do a practice run of your interview. Smile, reach out your hand and say your name. Act like the job is already yours. Confidently assume you’re the best person for the job and ignore everything else. This is the time to be irrationally confident.  Be reasonable and realistic for the rest of your life, but once you walk into that interview room, you’re the ONLY candidate that matters!