Why Laughing Before Your Next Job Interview Is A Must + Videos To Get You Giggling

By Shea Ki

Why is it that so many people don't like job interviewing? 

One reason may be because we are conditioned by media and other sources to fear it. Many articles about interviewing present having to be in the hot seat as such a painful headache. Several other sources for help on the topic lecture on and on about all the mistakes you could make. The tips are often on target, but the do-this-or-you-will-have-an-epic-fail approach makes me cringe.

With all the negative posts and talk around interviewing, it's no wonder we tend to get the impression people would rather get a root canal. 

It's time to upgrade the conversation and the type of attention that surrounds the subject of interviews. 
​
What if we faced the stress as a challenge we can rise up to and not as a threat that takes our power? 
​
What if we celebrated that we have an interview coming up instead of groaning about it? 

​Perhaps it is a big stretch right now to view interviewing as a joy ride in your career journey rather than huge, frustrating speed bumps. It often takes several sessions with a qualified Career Coach  to turn the experience of interviews into more of an enjoyable adventure, but it is very possible. And your future at work will thank you for it.

At least for now you can start with a key step to upgrading your interview---HAVING MORE FUN.

Not taking ourselves too seriously and allowing for more fun moments in the process are essential as you get prepared to share your professional value. 

---

Bottomline: Give yourself more ENJOYABLE breaks when preparing for an interview.

AND LAUGH.

When money, status, or other pressures are on the line, this is easier said than done. But laughter gets its reputation for being the "best medicine" for a reason. Science backs up the facts that laughter alleviates stress and helps our nervous system to relax. 
​

"A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling." 
​-The Mayo Clinic

Yes, there is a lot to do in order to shine in the hot seat and attract work that lights you up. But if those actions aren't coming from a place of inspiration and connection to your highest energy, the results will be slim. And the frustration higher. So go ahead and let your guard down and turn on a great comedy sketch or funny movie without the guilt.

Putting in time to do more of what brings you joy before an interview is just as important as researching the company and practicing your answers.

---

Do you keep a list of things that make you laugh nearby? This is an excellent way to tune out of the stress and more into the joy of having opportunities. 

​Below are several videos on my I-NEED-TO-LAUGH-RIGHT- NOW list that get me thinking less about being nervous and instead laughing more. (Many of you already know that lip sync battles are my go-to!). Each of these videos hit my funny bone and remind me that everybody makes mistakes--it's all about how you handle them.

I hope you enjoy making your own collection of humorous videos if you don't already have one. Let it be a place you can access easily on your smart phone, iPad, or laptop. If you need more ideas, you can always go to my Inspiring Resources page where I update my lists of favorite work humor videos and other favorites regularly. I have been having fun creating that page as a one-stop source for laughs, inspiration, and soulful career guidance.

Whether it is my list or something you have fun creating on your own, give yourself some time to make a collection or bookmark someone else's. That way you can turn to it for a quick humor hit, especially when the nervous energy of interviewing strikes hard. 

YOUR TURN: Tell me in the comments below-- What do count on to get you laughing more and feeling less nervous before an interview?

About the author:

Did you enjoy this post? My name is Shea Ki and I invite you to join my mission to end the interview struggle for talented women. My coaching sessions help you shine in the hot seat and attract work that lights you up. 

​Subscribe to this community and your inbox will be sparkling with Upgrade My Interview Tips + Soulful Career Resources every month.