You've heard of the Zen idea of one hand clapping? Let us introduce you to the concept of interviewer-free interviewing. Find time, on your own, to reflect on the interview. Think of it as a time-management exercise: a short window of opportunity for you to impress. Look at the requirements of the job, known or guessed. Now have a conversation with the best part of yourself, not the negative voice that's whispering "You can't DO this!" but your best half, the one that's prepared to have a go.

The solo interview both anticipates questions and places the job within a much larger pattern. You'll know what the big questions are, but here are some prompts:

	What did I learn about myself in this interview?
	What will I learn about this job?
	What in my past makes me a good choice?
	How would this job be a great opportunity to use my skills/experience/gifts?
	How would this job be a good stepping stone?
	How does it fit into my life plan?
	Who will I help if I do this job?
	How does this job/company fit my personal and work values?
	Since employers buy experience, which parts of my past are going to be in the window display?
	Which of my past achievements are most relevant here?
	Why do I want this job? (money - for whatever reason - is never enough, even if you think it is right now)
	What problems will I solve in the job?
	There is only one of me. I am a one-off. Which special combination of gifts am I going to bring to bear here that no one else can offer?
	What will it FEEL like to do this job? In the first week? The first month? After a year?
	How will I know if I am successful?
	Which parts of the job will be really me?
	Will this job make me happier than I a now? How would others tell?