Nervous about an upcoming job interview? Here’s how interview coaching can help

When it comes to job interviews, even the most experienced of all job applicants are likely to face anxiety and nervousness. After all, selling your skills and expertise to a cautious interviewer can be a challenging task. Fortunately, interview coaching goes a long way in helping people improve their interviewing skills.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything related to interview coaching, including:

• The duties of an interview coach

• The benefits of working with an interview coach

What does an interview coach do?

Think of interview coaches as personal trainers. Instead of helping you achieve your fitness goals, an interview coach will help you develop, hone, and leverage key interviewing skills. During your sessions with the interview coach, you will learn various techniques and strategies to help you ace a job interview and make a positive impression on the interviewer.

Interview coaches can help you brainstorm thought-provoking and impressionable questions for the interviewer and prepare for in-person, phone, and virtual interviews. They can also share tips and tricks on picking the appropriate attire for the interview and controlling your body language.

An interview coach is likely to conduct one or more mock interviews, just to build your confidence and help you ease into the interviewing process. After the mock interview is over, they will provide you with constructive feedback on how well you did and what areas you still need to work on. 

What is the difference between a career coach and a career counselor?

Career counseling is a long-term engagement in which the counselor helps an individual understand their strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. Typically, career counselors chalk out a career plan for their clients and help them make informed decisions about their future. This type of counseling is common in colleges and universities, and it involves preparing students for a professional career after graduation.

A career coach, on the other hand, provides you with support and expertise on a wide variety of career issues and helps you develop a growth mindset. They’re experts in resume writing, career planning, and network building, and they often help working professionals with their existing careers or when they’re switching to a new field.

When is it worth getting an interview coach?

Interview coaching is all about developing the right skills and aptitude to ace a job interview. If you’re experiencing one or more of the following concerns, you should consider working with an experienced interview coach to obtain some clarity and peace of mind.

You find interviews overwhelming

It’s normal to feel anxious before an interview. After all, it’s an important opportunity for you and you want to do your absolute best to seize the moment. However, if your nervousness is making it extremely difficult for you to talk or you’re unable to speak clearly, you should consider some interview coaching. An interview coach can teach you some techniques to calm your nerves and turn your thoughts into coherent, well-structured sentences during an interview. 

You have an upcoming interview for a job you really want

Imagine this. You’re extremely passionate about a job role, and you’ve been applying to several organizations that are offering this employment opportunity. Finally, at one of the companies, your resume is selected and you’re invited to the first round of interviews. Since this is a job you really really want, you may want to talk to an interview coach first. 

An interview coach can help you prepare for the job interview. Based on the job description and your skillset, they can create an effective elevator pitch for you that will help you make a solid impression on the interviewer. 

You’re not getting a lot of job offers

Even if you have the right skills and aptitude for a job, you may lack the confidence to ace an interview, and this could be one of the reasons you’re not getting a lot of job offers after interviews. An interview coach can identify the shortcomings in your approach to interviews and recommend an improvement plan. Once you become better at interviews, you can expect more job offers to come your way. 

You haven’t been interviewed in a while or this is your first interview

Whether you’ve been working at the same job for years or you’re applying for your first-ever job, it’s important to talk to someone who’s well-versed in interview techniques and best practices. An interview coach can refresh your memory on job interviews and teach you some tips and tricks to help you ace your interview.

You’re switching to a new field

While changing your career is definitely a bold idea, you’ll need to think about your transferable skills. What are some job-related skills you already possess that you can leverage to obtain a job in a new career field? This is where interview coaching comes in. An interview coach can help you identify your transferable skills. 

You find it difficult to negotiate employment offers

Did you know that you can negotiate on your job offer? Negotiating is an art, and it requires careful planning, in-depth research, and a lot of confidence. If you find it difficult to negotiate job offers and ask for a higher compensation package, perhaps you should consult with an interview coach, who can equip you with the right tools and techniques to ask for a better package. 

You face certain barriers to employment

Some of the most common barriers to employment include having a criminal record, an unexplained career gap, or a history of job hopping. If you feel that any of these reasons are affecting your interviews, an interview coach can help you out. For instance, if you took a break from employment to tend to some personal stuff, an interview coach can teach you how to address this issue during a job interview in a manner that does not leave a bad impression on the interviewer. 

How do I prepare for an interview coaching session?

Finding a reputable interview coach is the first step. The next step is to learn how to make the most out of your coaching sessions. Here are a few ways to realize the full benefits of professional interview coaching.

Figure out the purpose of these sessions

Before you hire an interview coach, ask yourself a couple of questions. Which job interview areas do you need help with? What are some of your fears about job interviews? What prevents you from delivering your best during a job interview? What do you expect to gain from these coaching sessions? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can then talk more confidently to your interview coach and obtain help in areas you’re struggling with. 

Prepare specific questions for the coach

Make a list of some of the interview questions you struggle to answer. For instance, if you’re not sure how to answer the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” talk to your interview coach and figure out the best way to answer this question. Search some of the most commonly-asked questions during an interview and seek your coach’s advice on the best way to respond to those questions. 

Treat the mock interview like an actual interview

At some point during your coaching sessions, you will be required to complete a mock interview with the coach. Don’t take this interview lightly, and think of it as an actual interview for a job you’re passionate about. 

The mock interview is an opportunity for you to practice real interviews and improve your communication skills. If you don’t take this interview seriously, your interview coach won’t be able to provide you with feedback on improvement. 

Want some more advice about making a successful career transition? Partner with one of career.io’s Career Coaches to excel in your career and achieve your goals!

Key takeaways

1. Interview coaching helps you practice for job interviews, especially if you struggle in this area.

2. Before hiring an interview coach, figure out why you need this type of coaching in the first place.

3. Your interview coaching will consist of a mock interview. Take that interview seriously!