Greetings: Congratulations for being brave enough to go after your dreams.That, alone, is worth celebrating, because it's so very hard (for me, anyway) to claim my vision of the possible and put the effort into making it happen. I've found it really, really helpful to sit down with a friend and "play act" an interview. I write down for them the questions that I remember from the interview, they ask them, and I respond as close as possible to the way I did in the real interview. I also tell the friend doing it with me, 'don't hold back--tell me how I appear to you, and what you think of my responses.' I choose people who are good friends, because I don't want some jerk just shooting off her (or his) mouth. There's nothing like it! How I think I come across (both positively and negatively) and the reality are usually very different. Plus, hearing concrete information from someone who's not invested (like a potential employer) is much easier, and better, too. I also get suggestions--about how they've answered similar questions, ways I can rephrase something, and things like that. I usually take notes (because I think I'll remember...and then I don't!). Also, I treat the interview like a performance. I try and think of (and research online, or remember from previous interviews) the type of questions I might be asked. Then I write down my answers--and repeat them. Then I rehearse them with somebody a couple of times before the interview (over a period of days, and not the day before the interview). I then take the questions and my responses with me, and review them before the interview. This helps me, and in a number of ways--I'm less likely to get startled and anxious, which can cause me to go off on tangents, and not focus. It also helps me take some of the emotion out of the interview process, which also helps me stay on point and on task. Also, you MAY consider taking the time to write them a thank you letter after the interview. Not only would you look like you're really interested in the job, but I use them, sometimes, to clarify something I've said in the interview (or try and limit some potential damage I've done with my mouth!). They're not very long, but are another way of communicating why they should take a chance on me. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck.

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Zora, I appreciate the time you took writing me the much needed advice. Eye Opener! I was lazy to do what it took to prepare for interviews actually believing that my resume speaks for itself, and my verbal willingness to meet all their needs should be enough. Negative. I just feel that I'm a grown women who has been around the block. I'm presentable, educated, eager to perform well, and contribute to a positive work environment which is more important to me than answering a question like: If you could tell me one sentence that represents your life... what would it be? I become distracted trying to think of an appropriate answer because I'm really thinking, omg- are you f%$ing kidding me? Also, me cutting corners like preparing/rehearsing may have been obvious during interviews and hurting my chances of getting hired. Perhaps they thought that was indicative of me cutting corners on the job as well. I need more compassion for the person interviewing me, as well as taking your advice if I'm going to succeed. Thank you Zora :)

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