The way to be less nervous for a job interview

My interview with May was accompanied by wine, at Franska (our big sister) I was enjoying bubbles and truffle fries within ten minutes, and I once had a director who immediately put his feet up on another chair. That makes things a lot more relaxed, I can tell you. Yet you often see people trembling going into such a conversation. That doesn't have to be the case from now on.

Of course, you apply because you have set your sights on a job and really want it. Otherwise, you would rather be doing a hundred other things at that moment, right? I will never forget that one intern who was so nervous that she almost slid off her chair from shaking, which made me want to take away her nerves, because otherwise, you don't see how someone really is. A waste of her time, a waste of my time. By the way, she turned out to be one of the best, nicest, and sweetest interns I have ever had. A little tension is healthy because it keeps you sharp, but having a conversation with a trembling voice is over from now on.

You only need to remember one thing: you must also like the company, the people, and the work. A job interview may feel like an unequal or favor-dependent thing, but it is not. Of course, you want to be the best version of yourself, but that goes both ways. The company must also make a good impression on you; otherwise, you probably don't even want to work there. So remember that you don't have to work there. It may seem like a strange thought as you head into such a conversation, but it immediately makes you more relaxed. This, in turn, ensures that you enter the conversation more calmly, allowing you to be more yourself, making it easier to express your thoughts. Think of it as a first date; you both need to discover if you want to go for another drink.

So, is your date set? Here are the 3 points you want to remember:

1. As I said: don't make yourself dependent. It's not good for your self-confidence to beg for a job. And remember: you can also say ‘no’ after an interview.

2. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. You are good enough as you are, and if that's not the case, then you don't fit together.

3. Pay attention to your body language. It's smart to ensure that you start at the same eye level during a meeting; this way, you start a conversation on equal footing. It's not mandatory to sit on a little chair in a waiting room; you can also walk around and look at art or stand by the window to take in the neighborhood.

Okay, go kick some ass.