娇色导航

Landing a new job is a marathon, not a sprint, so it makes sense to prepare for interviews like an athlete would — deliberately, methodically and with lots of preparation.

“Too many job seekers we see approach this in a haphazard way: ‘Oh, I’ll just send in my resume; if I’m qualified, someone will notice. Then, I’ll interview, then I’ll get hired,’ but it doesn’t work like that anymore,” says Joe Weinlick, senior vice president at career search site Beyond.com.

In today’s job market, finding a new role can take time, lots of energy and discipline. Much like an Olympic athlete must overcome obstacles, handle frustration, setbacks and rejections and work hard to train and prepare for competition, so, too, must job seekers, says Weinlick. Here, he shares five tips to prepare for your job search like an Olympic athlete.

The job search process may include a rejection letter or two. Never hesitate to ask the hiring manager or recruiter why you weren’t selected for the job. It’s valuable feedback that can help prepare you for the next interview you land.

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“You have to constantly practice, refine and hone your resume and learn from your mistakes. There will be frustration, there will be rejections and you have to accept that and learn from that. Every single job you apply for can be a lesson in how to up your odds, so take advantage of the opportunity to improve your performance,” he says.

Be sure to get the perfect outfit ready, freshen up your hair and print out copies of your resume. Mock interviews and in-depth research into the company are also crucial for mental preparation, Weinlick says.

“If you look professional and confident, that’s how you’ll feel. Just like how athletes always wear suits on game day, you should put your best, most polished and stylish foot forward to make a killer first impression,” Weinlick says.

While “get a good night’s sleep” is great advice whether you have an interview or not, sometimes nerves can take over, especially the night before a big interview. Instead, try and get a solid night of rest two nights before your interview so that you have some energy reserves in case you don’t sleep the night before, Weinlick says.

“You need to make sure you’re well-rested, well-fed and have some energy for the big interview. Unlike an athlete, you have the advantage of scheduling an interview at an optimal time, so maybe avoid Mondays or first thing in the morning; try for mid-week at a time when your energy level is highest,” he says.