by Max Lehmann

Created on: June 28, 2010   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

If you go into an interview truly believing that you stand no chance of getting the job you're interviewing for, believe it or not, it could be the half hour that opens doors and changes your life. Read on to find out why.

Many drivers in the UK tell the tale of how they stalled the car near the beginning of their practical test, believed they had therefore failed, and went about the rest of the test in a blasé state of mind, only to be shocked to find at the end that stalling and dealing with it hadn't had any detrimental effect, but instead let them relax and approach the task in a less agitated manner, leading to a pass result. In exactly the same way, a belief that nothing is riding on the outcome of this interview can actually help you relax and clinch the deal. Now, perhaps it's not going to be that simple, maybe you have some very good reasons why you can't possibly win over the interviewers and convince them of your merit for the role, but they clearly disagree so far - there's something in your CV or resumé that has convinced them you're worth seeing, so why not see it through?

If you are right, though, and you're not the right material for that particular job, there are good reasons to turn up anyway. People remember those who make an impression, be it a good or a bad one, but for most the bad lingers longest. There are no careers for life any more, and if you decide to be a no-show then your name may wind up lodged in the memory of the interviewer, and for all you know they may end up in a new position that sees them interviewing you again somewhere down the line. If you turn up and get feedback, you can use that feedback to inform your approach the next time around, if you don't then everyone loses. You're basically showing a huge lack of respect for the organisation you applied to if you don't follow through on their invitation, while turning up, even if not well qualified, will show that you're a positive person, you have ambition and you're hopeful.

Alongside nerves, being unprepared can be a big worry for many interview candidates. There are numerous websites that can give you some guidance towards the kind of questions you may face in an interview, but when you're sitting there with sweaty palms facing them for the first time the experience is very intense. The more you expose yourself to the kind of questions that will come up, the more relaxed and prepared you can be. Nearly every interviewer will be happy to offer feedback

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>