Interviews are like Blind Dates

Awkward as heck, only one person is fully engaged, and if you do not phrase your words properly you will NEVER see one another again!

The initial greeting is nerve wrecking; walking up to strangers with your head held high, chest poked out and forced to put your sweaty hand shake to work. Meanwhile, you have the eye of the tiger trying to maintain a focused gaze and not seem creepy.

As a millennial professional who has been on her fair share of horrific and enlightening interviews. I admit I wish I had a few interview Tips, Tricks, & Tactics before I set off on my world wind excursion of career seeking.

Here are 3 Tips to make the most out of your interview experience:

1. Keep in mind an interview is a conversation: Take a moment to breath, do not rush, be direct, answer questions in their entirety & be mindful it is a conversation not a robot interaction.

2. Full out Mock interviews with a peer or colleague will allow you to mentally & physically prepare for the real deal. Practice & repetition make a noticeable difference.

3. Be BOLD! Ask questions when they give you the floor. This is your opportunity to ask about the research you conduct prior to your actual interview.

Followed by 2 easy Tricks to ease your nerves for your interview:

1. Bring your favorite pen (we all have one) and hold onto it with both hands while you interview. When you feel anxious squeeze the pen to regain your focus, it can be held on the table or in your lap as it will not be a distraction. It is a simple trick but, very effective.

2. Have a quiet pause, silence is not awkward when interviewing. It is more than acceptable to take a thoughtful pause, gather yourself and speak your answer with confidence. There are no specific rules, you can take a thoughtful pause as often & frequently as you desire. Just smile while doing it, smiling helps reduce that pesky interviewing anxiety.

Include a positive lasting impression Tactic to complete your interview process:

1. Be sure you research how many individuals will conduct your interview, this way you have the correct amount of nicely handwritten personalized "Thank You" cards to leave for each interviewer.

I am confident these 6 Tips, Tricks, & Tactics will help you feel empowered when walking into your next interview! Be Diligent, Be Resilient, And Keep Applying!