A poll on shine.com indictes that more than 60% people are scared of facing an interview. For many, interview is a synonym for stress - you first stress yourself over getting an interview call and then for its preparation. You fret over what to wear, say, or whether the interviewer will like you or not, etc. But the worst blow comes at the time of the interview - you either blow it or get frozen and panic-stricken, thus chattering aimlessly, losing the train of thought. Don’t panic as some tips can help you.

Pre-interview tips:

• Practice mock interviews with family or in front of the mirror so that actual interviews don’t scare you.

• Know your resume thoroughly. Be prepared for questions on work experience, job responsibilities and education.

• Research thoroughly about the background of the company and industry. Prepare questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview. Plan your attire in advance. For more on that, check, dressing for interviews.

• If you are still unwell or not at your best, it is better to re-schedule your interview.
   

Facing the interview tips:

• Timing is important: Don't cause undue stress before a big interview. Arrive just 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time. Arriving early makes you worry more and arriving late may find yourself racing, your heart pounding from the last-minute dash. A pre-interview break can help you to catch your breath and acclimatise you.

• Relax: Only if you are relaxed, you can exude confidence. Show that you're calm, composed and in command during the interview. Breathe deeply and slowly; sitting straight without crossing your arms or legs. Your hands and jaws should be relaxed with no clenching.

• Speaking slowly but clearly with pauses for breath. Do not run with your answers to make them look like a pratcised speech. Be clear, take appropriate pauses, smile often and don’t look grim and serious.

• Facing a tough question: Don’t flub or grapple for words. Pause but don’t panic. Not everything goes as per your plan. Tackle it smartly taking deep breaths and re-focus and continue with the interview.
    
   

Post-interview tips:

• Ask the interviewer for his or her overall impression about you at the end of your meeting. Then you can approach your next meeting with confidence.

• Thank the interviewers and follow up properly. See, Following up after the interview.

Visualise yourself in the interview, brimming with confidence and success. Prepare and practise well and succeed to make your dream a reality. Practice succeeding in imagination and you'll be doing it in reality.