Top tips for interview on Friday

[Ridingthecrestofawave]

So, I've got an interview on Friday virtually. It's an in-house promotion opportunity. I've prepped answers, read up on the company etc. It's more the nerves I need to control.
As I've got older I have become so nervous in interviews to the point where eberything goes out my head, I talk and talk at speed and forget the structure / to be concise. My heart beats really fast.
Any tips (other than having a large gin) to help me.
I know I can do the job and I don't want my nerves and ramblings to get the better of me!
Thinking of doing a metronome style finger tap to slow my speach down!! HELP

As you've got the interview online, you can put your notes on screen too only for you to see of course, but having your notes in front of you will help keep you calm, so you won't talk too quick. You've got this! Online interviews are your friend. Everyone will cut you some slack and no one can see your sweaty armpits

Talk so slowly that (you think) you sound ridiculous

Take deep breaths to slow yourself down at comma points

You say it is an internal interview. I don't know how well your interviewers know you but my tip for external interviews, is to totally rehearse for the question about talk me through your CV/experience.

It is usually the first question and intended to break the ice and get a feel for you. So keep it short succinct (5 mins max) and answer the unsaid question why your skills and you are the best person for the job.

Practice it aloud until you know it so well you can inject a smile, a pause, a little joke to lighten things, and help you calm the nerves at the same time.

And if you talk fast, slow it right down. It gives you gravitas (I hate the word) and authority. Don't be afraid of pauses, or asking the interviewer to clarify the question. It shows you are thoughtful and considered and want to address their concerns.

Always have questions at the end. Always.

Practice talking about your experience - say it out loud so that you get used to actually talking about it rather than just thinking.
Before the interview, put on some power tunes and sing along, it will warm your voice up and give you a boost.
And yes, have some key points on note cards around your screen. This isn't cheating, they are not testing your memory...
Good luck!

Don't fill the gaps. Answer the question asked as concisely as you can, then let the silence stand.

Star

Situation
Task
Action
Result

If you focus your answers on this you will be amazing

Also take time before so don't go in immediately after emails etc. See it as an external and wear something different to make it feel like a proper interview.

Good luck

Thank you for some great tips. Been practicing recording myself on camera. Blimey, you're never quite as you think you are, are you!!
I'm trying to cut out the ums and other filler words now.
I wonder what power tune to choose!
Need to smile and have more 'alive' eyes too.

Just to add to the advice already given, make sure you have a big glass of water next to you. You'll get thirsty anyway, but taking a sip gives you a second to gather your thoughts. And don't be afraid to think before you answer - you don't have to speak immediately on being asked a question.
Finally, when interviewers ask me how I am I invariably say 'a bit nervous, actually' and this always seems to break the tension a little. It's good to care!

Oh and also - make sure you minimise the video of yourself! Seeing your own face would be horribly distracting.

Will do will be back on here with the outcome...thanks again

Good luck tomorrow
I have my first ever online interview tomorrow to I’m a nurse it will be a bit strange! It’s for a more senior role.
Have taken some of the advice too