Confidence Boost for the Dreaded Interview

I had an interview last month.
I hate interviews.

I think you’re either great at them, or you’re not. And I’m not, but I try to fake my level of comfort as much as I can. Where in reality, I just want to sink into my seat, slide out the door and make a run for it.

Maybe because with most of the jobs I’ve landed, the interviews were more casual so there wasn’t too much pressure. Plus, it was for serving banquets and catering – my chinchilla can hold a plate. Then I got in to background/extra work for film and television. There’s no interview with bg agencies. You just need to be available when they call. Which is any time of day. My first movie was Total Recall and I was an arm’s length from Colin Farrell. We made eye contact. No one believes me, but it happened. And it was magical.
*sigh*…
What was I talking about?
Oh, right. Interviews.

That basis of an interview is to be able to sell yourself. Verbally. Which is hard for me because I don’t like talking about myself to new people. I’m more of a listener than a talker. So one thing I like to prep is the ‘tell me about yourself’ or ‘why do you want to work here’ questions because those are a given you’ll be asked. Everything else I try to wing and sound confident with my answers. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t, I eat chocolate. Chocolate understands. It’s the best consoler of all time. Even better when it invites ice cream to join the pity party.

When I don’t land jobs I just have to remind myself not to take it personally. Which is very hard to do sometimes. It straight up sucks being turned down. Especially if it’s something you really, really want and think you’d learn a lot and excel in. Though, it is kind of like a casting call. They’re looking for someone that fits their certain requirements and I can’t hate on that if I’m not it. I can cry about it, sure. Though I give myself 24-48hrs to sulk… and maybe hate a little… then tell myself to grow a pair and move on.

Then there are the other moments where I’m super stubborn – maybe even stupid – and apply and interview with the same company four different times over a couple of years in hopes the next interview will be different. True story. The last time I landed a call back for a second interview and was super excited until the owner told me in front of his partner, 2 employees and 3 other candidates that I wasn’t getting the job and should register for their 8 week, $8000 class. Thanks.
Needless to say, I stopped applying.

One thing I make sure to do, no matter how I’m feeling, is look my best. Even if I’m nervous, I like to wear things that make me feel comfortable and confident. Because let’s face it – when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, your mindset is more positive. And other people can definitely sense that.

So find your confidence boost. Accessories are my thing, so I make sure I’m wearing something that makes me feel like a billion bucks – because being a millionaire nowadays is overrated.
My showstopper necklace from Forever 21 is one of my favourite pieces I purchased in the last year. Some may find it tacky or loud, but it makes me feel bad and boujee when I wear it. In a good way.

I wore this to my last interview. And this was probably the most important interview I’ve had to date. It’s something I’ve been prepping for and patiently waiting over the past year. For a real full time job. That’s creative. With salary. Like adults have. Apparently, that’s still a real thing. Who knew?

So wish me luck! And I’ll keep you posted.

xo
Stephanie

 

Update: I did not get the job and I am currently in my Totoro onesie eating Boomchickapop because I ran out of chocolate and ice cream, but tomorrow’s a new day. On to the next venture!