Useful tips for being at your best for that key interview

Humans can be quite contradictory creatures sometime. We can often get stuck in a rut and be determined to pull ourselves out of it, but at the same time be fearful of taking a huge step towards something life-changing.

Switching jobs, or even starting off on a new career path is a big move and often the key to opening that new door is selling yourself in an interview. This is where many people fall done because, as qualified and capable as they are, selling themselves just doesn’t come as naturally to some as others.

But a job or college interview is about much more than just selling yourself. One of the tricks is to see an interview as more of a conversation – albeit with a panel of total strangers – than an interrogation.

If you are not naturally outgoing, there are number of things you do to make sure you do your best at an interview and make lasting impression at an interview – and this starts from before you even walk in the door.

Before the interview, do some light stretching and breathing exercises to help calm your nerves and make you feel comfortable.

When you get into the room, it is important the you shake hands with each member of the panel and tell them ‘Nice to meet you’ and repeat their name. Remember each name is crucial as it reflects your ability to remember key facts and also adds a personal touch when you are responding to their questions.

When talking about yourself, avoid rhyming off a list of achievements. Instead, tell a story about your experiences. That will be much more personal and memorable.

For more inspiring content check out the books at www.mediazide.com.

Three tips on how to beat writer’s block

For writers, the first word is often the most difficult. Anyone who writes regularly will know that, once you’re in a flow, you can be unstoppable. However, with many things in life, the old saying that ‘a good start is half the work’ is particularly apt for writers.

However, thinking of the hook or opening line to get things going can be difficult and getting over that roadblock can seem almost impossible some days. So, if you are suffering from the dreaded writer’s block, here a few tips to get over it.

1. Go walking. It’s amazing how many times this is the solution to a problem, but going for a walk has many advantages for writers. First, it clears your head which allows ideas to pop into it organically without you have to force them. Also, the physical activity is also good for your brain and can stimulate activity, and therefore creativity.

2. Get into a routine. It may seem obvious, but if you create a routine for your writing, you may find that your brain will click in at the same time each day too. A routine is also more about what you don’t do as what you do. If you know you are going to writing at certain time, you can spend the rest of the time on the other distractions which normally contribute to your writer’s block.

3. Brainstorm on a blank sheet. Get a piece of paper and write down any word that comes into your head, no matter how ridiculous it sounds. Don’t force it, allow the words to come naturally and you might discover a thought you didn’t know you had.

You can also seek out more inspirational writing with the books at www.mediazide.com.