Another voice says, “Who do you think you’re kidding? There are those who are younger, smarter, with better resumes, better connections…” So what can you do? Here are 7 time frames that you want to pay attention to. By following these simple steps in your interview preparation process, you will land the job you desire.

Step 1: One week before your interview

This is where most of the work lies. The more prepared you are the more confident you will feel, so take the time to do the following:

  1. Read about the person interviewing you and the company, even if you did that already. It will help you be more comfortable going in.
  2. Read the job description again so you understand exactly what they are looking for.
  3. Spend a few moments asking yourself this question: “How can I help them achieve their goals for the company?” For example: “I can help your firm increase its client base because of my sales experience combined with my natural charisma.” Next, it’s important to do some unconventional thinking.
  4. Think about why exactly you want this job. Is it a temporary job for you until your dream job comes along? Or is it the job of your dreams that you absolutely must have and this is your one shot? Is it the only job in your field in the area and you don’t want to commute? Is it a job where you get to dress up? Or work in your pajamas? When you are clear going in about the company, what you have specifically to offer, what the job description is and why you want this job, you will be more confident and it will show during your interview.

Step 2: One day before the interview

  1. Watch this Ted Talk about showing confidence by Amy Cuddy. It’s amazing. This one thing can transform your interview and you getting the job you desire.
  2. Pick out what you will be wearing in its entirety so it’s a non-issue the day of your interview

Step 3: The morning of the interview

  1. Think about a time in your life when you felt confident and got what you wanted. This might be something like:

I answered a question in college and the professor praised me in front of the class and it felt amazing. I did a great job as a camp counselor and the kids and parents praised me. I ran a home run in camp and everyone cheered. I cooked a great meal that my significant other loved.

Think of anything that brings up a memory of feeling successful no matter how minor. 2. Feel that emotion going to the interview. It’s all you need to do – you already prepared last week with the details. 3. Eat brain food. Postpone the donut or bagel until after the interview if you must. Good brain foods are blueberries, spinach, nuts, and fish. 4. Be early.

Step 4: An hour before the interview

  1. Laugh. Watch funny vines or whatever gets you going.
  2. Be inspired. Read spiritual, inspirational material that gets you into the space that the entire universe is rigged in your favor and you can’t ‘mess up.’ You do your best at the time, and if you get the job or don’t get the job then that’s what was supposed to happen. It really is not the last job on the planet, although it may seem so at times. You create your life.

Step 5: With minutes to go before the interview

  1. Do what you learned in the Ted Talk, i.e., physical movements that put you in power poses and circulate energy and loosen your body. You could do this on the street, in the elevator, or restroom. It takes four seconds.
  2. Think of what brings you the utmost pleasure in the world, and smile inside.

Step 6: A day after the interview

  1. Thank them via email.
  2. Celebrate yourself. You are worthy of a great job and deserve the best. Hang out with a buddy, buy yourself flowers, or sit in the sun.

Step 7: Two to four weeks after the interview

  1. Follow up a week later, two weeks later, and again a month later if you don’t hear anything, or even if you were not accepted for the job. So many times their first choice does not work out and you can catch them before they start interviewing again. I used to do hiring for a large travel firm and this happened all the time. My first choice wouldn’t always work out after two or three weeks. However, before I had a chance to reach out and re-interview, there was always one person who would be following up, just checking in a week later (or three or four) and whom I was glad to hire. So a yes is great, and no is not always a no! Go get the job you want. Follow these steps and you can meet with great success. Featured photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djgary/6827581889/ via flickr.com