So you get a call or an email inviting you to an interview for the job you’ve always wanted, and you freak out!
You break out in a sweat, your heart races, and you wonder what they’ll ask, how should I respond, and what you’ll wear.
My first bit of advice is to maintain your composure.
I know how stressful job interviews can be, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro.
It’s natural to be nervous about the event, but allowing your anxieties to get the best of you and panicking could jeopardize your chances of success.
To help you out, I have put down 13 ways you can calm your nerves before the interview. Read on!
Can Medication or Alcohol Calm my Interview Nerves?
Well, not really.
It’s true that many see medication and alcohol as a form of support when they are having interview anxiety. But psychologically, it’s not advisable.
Every organization is interested in recruiting personals who will be keen and excited to be part of the interview process, who will be devoted and ready to work with them.
With alcohol, you run the risk of drinking too much and coming across as too over the top and perhaps hard to manage. And of course, showing up for an interview smelling of alcohol or simply intoxicated is a complete no.
1. Use the S.T.O.P. method.
This is the greatest mental strategy for dealing with any stressful scenario.
How do you go about it?
Put down whatever you’re doing and concentrate on your thoughts. Take a couple of deep breaths in and out.
Become aware of what’s going on in your body, emotions, and mind, as well as why you’re experiencing these sensations.
Continue with the purpose of incorporating what you’ve seen into your actions.
Note, this strategy emphasizes the necessity of slowing down and being intentional not only in what you do but also in the sensations you let take over.
It will of no doubt remind you that even in the most stressful conditions, you have the power to overcome your own fears, doubts, and nerves.
Read Also: most Important Thing to Bring to a Job Interview | Expert Advice
2. Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
Getting ready for a rejection or the worst scenario is another way to calm nerves before an interview.
Remember, whatever your greatest fear is, there is always a solution.
So if you have lettuce in your teeth?
Worried that you won’t be able to come up with a good answer to a difficult question?
Just learn to be proactive, Truth is, when you don’t know an answer, be proactive and learn how to conceal your tracks.
By planning ahead, you may be confident that you’ll be prepared to handle it even if the worst comes.
3. Make a cheat sheet for interviews.
Preparing for the worst is just as important as preparing for anything. The more you have planned ahead of time, the less you have to be concerned about.
So, make a note on your phone of everything you need to remember—the building address, the hiring manager’s name, the time, the three key points you’d like to convey in the interview, your questions, and anything else that comes to mind.
Then, just before you’re called in, pull that baby out and you’ll be so sure you’ve covered everything.
4. Make a plan for what you’ll do afterward
So, while anxious sweating for two hours in front of a stranger isn’t something you’re looking forward to, what would you be excited to push through for? What about a good meal? What about a massage?
A Netflix date with your dog and your favorite show? Prepare for it to be ready when you’re through, so you’ll have something exciting to look forward to and focus on instead of your nerves.
Read Also: How to Stop Overthinking: 10 Best Solutions
5. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
A fantastic meal precedes a terrific interview. For some, this entails choosing a nutritious option that is high in energy-boosting antioxidants.
It could be indulging in your favorite comfort foods for others. There is no right or wrong response; do what seems right to you.
6. Give yourself a boost of confidence.
It’s not weird to talk to yourself—in fact, it’s a good idea (and scientifically proven to help motivate yourself).
Tell yourself all you need to hear: you’re smart, you’re qualified for this role, and you’ll be fantastic.
Say it aloud, and say it confidently. Just make sure you do it in a peaceful area.
7. Keep an eye on your posture.
To ensure that you can complete the interview without fidgeting or shuffling around, and to create an air of confidence and dynamism, sit comfortably but attentively.
You can’t sit on the edge of your seat or slouch, so attempt to strike a balance between the erect and engaged without appearing flighty.
8. Hands that are calm but unsteady
If your hands start to shake, don’t put them in your lap or fold your arms. Instead, tense your thigh muscles to soothe the shaking while still allowing you to make open, honest gestures while speaking.
9. Concentrate on the questions
Nerves can bring out your inner critic, causing you to overlook an essential question component, so try to concentrate on what the interviewer is saying.
Read Also: 10 Ways To Overcome New Job Anxiety And Boost Your Work Confidence Daily
10. Breathe
Making a conscious effort to breathe evenly and listen will automatically battle other anxiety-related disorders, such as a rising pulse rate, providing a variety of benefits.
11. Remember that they are on your side
Your interviewers will be aware of your nervousness and will accommodate you. Indeed, in our experience, we have never seen an applicant lose a job merely because they were frightened.
However, we’ve seen applicants lose out because they were too calm and appeared to be unprepared.
Read Also: Performance Anxiety at Work: How best to Go about it at Work
12. Play some music
Alternatively, whatever else motivates you (a podcast, a speech by your idol). This way, you may fill your mind with energy and excitement instead of negative ideas.
13. Make a happy face
It’s no secret that smiling makes you feel more confident, so what’s the harm in giving it a shot?
None, as far as I’m aware. If you keep it long enough, the recruiting manager will warm up to you.
Reference
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