How to Handle Those Morning Job Interviews

Morning interviews can be a struggle for those who call themselves a “night owl.”  For morning interviews, you may be still waking up and you’re not as alert and sharp in the morning as opposed to an interview later in the day when you've had time to become alert and get your brain warmed up.  Often times those morning interviews give you anxiety because of less time you have to get up, get ready, make sure you have everything you need for the interview, and then get to the interview.

Below are some good steps for handling those morning job interviews.  The big key is to Plan Ahead!

1)  Get to bed early  You need to be alert and pay attention during the interview.  So go to bed early so you can get up early.

2)  Set out what you are going to wear and bring to the interview the night before (2-3 extra resumes, pen and notepad to take notes, ID cards, etc.)

3)  Rise early  Get that brain working, alert, and ready to answer questions and to have open discussions with those who will interview you.  You need to be upbeat and talkative while in the interview so start out early that morning getting your body, brain, and mouth moving.

4)  Read something  The best practice to be in the mindset to get your mind warmed up is to start the day with reading something.  Read the job description you’ll interview for, read the newspaper or online news and just read something to get your brain warmed up.  Take a good 10-15 minutes to read that morning before the interview.   Take time to concentrate on the job and why you want it – how you will convey that desire in the interview.  Go over the questions you have prepared to ask and go over you strengths.

5)  Have an early morning conversation  To be talkative and answer questions in an interview, get those muscles in your mouth moving.  You will be better to articulate words and won’t be groggy, but alert and attentive.

6)  Eat breakfast  It is the best way to start your day.  If you are hungry during the interview, you won’t be able to concentrate because your nutrient and energy levels will be low.  You mind and your functionality will not be at high enough levels to mentally and intellectually ace an interview.

7)  If you drink coffee in the morning, don’t overdo it before the interview.  Too much coffee will make you jittery and intensify your nervousness to an unappealing fashion.  Going cold turkey off coffee the day of the interview is a no, and I think we all know why.

8)  Get to the interview on time  Know in advance the route and what kind of traffic will be on your way.  Doing this will reduce your anxiety and make sure you show up on time.  Sometimes you have some traffic issue unexpectedly.  Do yourself a favor and just leave earlier than you think you would and if you get to the interview early, just sit in your car waiting to walk in.  Better safe than sorry, right?