Tips@work is a monthly feature of job-related topics that include tips from men and women working in different fields who share what they've learned along the way. THIS MONTHS TOPIC: > Achieving a work-life balanace PREVIOUS TOPICS COVERED: > Transitioning effectively from one job to another > E-mail etiquette > Managing first days on a new job > Tapping into the hidden job market > Challenging Interview Questions > Impress in interviews > Question Time > Reducing job interview anxiety > Re-entering the workforce > Effective cover letters

On the Job is a weekly column profiling various employment options in Nova Scotia.

THIS WEEKS FEATURED CAREER:
> PARAMEDICS

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For more career options, check out Nova Scotia Education Department Career Options website.

Research and rehearse. Judging by the tips below, these are keys to reducing job interview anxiety. How and what do you research? What kind of questions might be asked? How can you replicate an interview-like experience? Read on to find out more from women and men from different lines of work, who are willing to share what they've learned along the way.

• I always take time to think of any questions the interviewers may ask. There are the obvious ones - What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What about this job appeals to you the most? Most people think they could easily answer these questions on the spot, and they never actually think through their responses in advance. When it comes to behavioural questions, think of "stories"... specific examples of when you displayed qualities the employer is looking for. Anticipating questions and responses will make you more confident.
  Jill Taylor
  Manager of Client Care Trainee
  RBC Halifax Shopping Centre Branch

• The single biggest thing a person can do prior to an interview is PREPARE. It will take less time than traveling to the interview. Take 10 minutes to learn what a company is all about. This is easier than ever. Search their website. Read "About Us" and find out something about the company you are trying to work with for potentially the next 10 years. It will be time well spent prior to an interview.
  Scott Travis
  Director of Food & Beverage
  The Prince George Hotel

• The more one-on-one conversations you can have that are similar to an interview, the better. If I meet someone who's discussing something that interests me, I try to set up a meeting and just have a conversation with them about that topic. It's not an interview, but it helps you become more comfortable in an interview situation. It's also an opportunity to build relationships, which is something you try to do in an interview.
  Kyle Schmeisser
  Sr. Account Manager
  RBC Spring Garden and Summer Branch

• One of the best ways to overcome pre-interview anxiety is to be well prepared by researching the company you are interviewing with. Speak with any contacts you have who are familiar with the company, or visit their website and gather information. Being able to show not only an interest in the job, but a real, solid understanding of the company's history, accomplishments and goals will give you a great edge in any interview.
  Heidi Hallett
  Owner
  Frog Hollow Books

• Research is key. Read or ask as much as you can about the organization. You don't need to know that Bill in Accounting has a PhD, nor do you need to memorize all you read. But know enough about their core business as it relates to the position you interview for.
  Jeff Bishop
  Communications Officer
  Mi'kmaq - Nova Scotia - Canada Tripartite Forum

• Prepare for the meeting by doing research in regards to what the interview will be about. For example, if you're going to a Honda dealership for a salesperson interview, research their current products. If you're doing an interview with Research In Motion, research their current data devices.
  Jason Woolridge
  Operations Manager
  PC Medic Halifax

• The interview process isn't only for the employer. It's a chance for you to see how your gifts and talents fit with the organization. Do your research ahead of time and find out how the company fits your criteria: work environment, learning opportunities, or support of work/life balance. Find out how long the position's been vacant and how quickly it needs to be filled. Having the inside "scoop" on an organization can give you confidence during the interview.
  Laurie Edwards
  Director of Learner and Workforce Services
  Nova Scotia Community College

So, it seems that when it comes to reducing job interview anxiety, the bottom line is to be prepared. Next month we'll continue our discussion of interview preparation with ideas on useful questions an interviewee might ask an interviewer.