Dealing with Interview Nerves

Introduction

So you’ve been invited for an interview. You’re probably feeling a mix of interview nerves and excitement. Interviews can be daunting, and it can be normal to feel overwhelmed. If you’re feeling nervous before an interview, don’t stress. Here are some tips to help you calm your nerves and be ready for your upcoming interview.

Overview of the Nerves and Anxiety Commonly Experienced Before an Interview

It is very common to feel stressed and anxious before an interview. You might worry about your performance, about saying the wrong things, about how you look, about how the interviewers will perceive you – the worries and concerns can go on and on. It is normal to feel nervous and overwhelmed as interview nerves are very common.

Strategies to Calm Your Nerves Before an Interview

Fortunately, there are some strategies to help you be prepared and calm your nerves. Here are 5 basic strategies to help you be calm and ready for your upcoming interview.

• Get Adequate Sleep
• A key foundation for managing anxieties before your interview is getting adequate rest. Try to get enough sleep the night before so your body is alert and strong for the following day. Being well-rested helps you be calm and focused.
• Do Breathing Exercises
• Breathing can be an effective short-term strategy for calming nerves. Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels, improve focus, and help us to be more present in the moment. Try taking a few deep breaths to help you relax and draw your focus back to the present.
• Remember how great you are
• In your mind, go over all of your best traits.   What do you do well, your proudest achievements and why this company will be lucky to have you.  You are interviewing them to see if they are good enough for you!
• Visualize a Positive Outcome
• Visualize a positive outcome for your interview. Remind yourself that you have the skills, talent, and knowledge to be successful in the job. Affirm yourself and know you can handle whatever the interview throws at you, and can show the best version of yourself to the interviewers.
• Talk to Someone Close to You
• If you’re nervous and scared about your upcoming interview, talking to someone close to you can sometimes help. Share your worries and concerns with a trusted family member or friend who can offer emotional support.
• Prepare Thoroughly
• Finally, make sure you’re well-prepared for the interview. Do your research, practice answers to potential questions, review your resume, and prepare for any scenario. Take it one step at a time and use the time leading up to your interview to ensure you’re prepared and can handle any curveball thrown your way.

Conclusion

Before an interview, it is totally normal to feel nervous and anxious. Try some of these strategies to help you stay calm and focus on your upcoming interview. First, get adequate sleep and practice some breathing exercises to stay relaxed. Visualize a positive outcome and remember all the reasons why you’re a good fit for the job opportunity. Talk to someone close to you to share any worries and concerns, and finally, prepare thoroughly to stay ready for any curveballs. Being well-prepared can help you feel confident and calm so you can impress the interviewers and show the best version of yourself.