College Times

Issue date: 5/7/09 Section: Blogs

Media Credit: Photos.com

This past week I attended a journalism career fair and exhibition in search of a post-graduation job. Before the fair I was pretty nervous because I realized I was totally unprepared, I was wearing my newly hemmed business pants, I had over 20 resumes printed and ready for hand out, and yet I still had a knot in my stomach.

I had realized on the drive over that the foundation of my success at this fair would be the impression I left. I'd have to sell myself.

I have had a few sales positions in the past and let's just say they didn't work out so well, so when I realized I had to sell myself, I was worried. But I eventually got a grip and things went well, so I decided to write this column as sort of an advice column for all of you job seekers.

Firstly, first impressions are everything, and since I claim to be no expert on this topic, I have borrowed some tips from MindTools.com. Most of the things said on the site are common knowledge, the most important aspects of making a good first impression are appearance, body language and demeanor.

Dress appropriately, if it's a business interview, dress business casual, this means a nice pair of dress pants or a long business skirt paired with a nice button up shirt or blouse. When you are speaking to the employer be sure to sit up straight, don't slouch. Be sure to smile, introduce yourself and shake hands. The most important thing is to be yourself, and I can see how this is hard when you're nervous, so relax.

Some relaxation techniques, recommended by MindTools.com, are deep breathing exercises, such as taking 10 deep breaths or imagery relaxation, imagining a scene that you feel is peaceful and happy. Being relaxed during an interview not only allows you to be yourself, but it allows you to come across as confident.

Confidence is the key to a successful interview, if you don't seem sure of yourself, how is a future employer supposed to feel about you? Just remind yourself why you're there in the first place, you wouldn't be applying for a job if you didn't think you could do it, would you?

So psych yourself up, relax and be yourself.

My last piece of advice is to research the company or place you're applying to. First of all, this will give you a good idea of the type of place you'll be working at and if it's a place you'll feel comfortable. Knowing more about the company will also give you more to talk about with the person interviewing you and will allow you to ask more of the right questions.

The next time you're on a job hunt, or on your way to an interview and feeling a bit nervous, remember to take a few deep breaths, remind yourself why you think you're qualified for the position and go in with the confidence you should have.

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