Work Skills 101: Guide To Calm Nerves Before An Interview

Wondering how to not be nervous pre-interview? These seven tricks will supercharge you with confidence and easy any interview anxiety. Read on for techniques that’ll help you ace your next job interview.

BY YOUTHFITNESS

A job interview means something different to everyone: for some, it might be an opportunity to start anew with better growth opportunities, and for others, it might be the only job that they can get.

With so much on the line, it’s easy to let your nerves get the better of you before your next interview, especially if it's your first time. But don't worry, because, with the right preparation, you can feel confident and ready to tackle any question that comes your way.

In this article, we'll explore some of the most effective strategies for managing pre-interview anxiety so that you can walk into your next interview with poise, confidence and self-assurance.

How To Not Be Nervous For An Interview

1. Come Prepared

Preparing for a job interview can be scary. Many people find it challenging to get rid of their interview nerves because there’s so much to consider: What should you wear? What kind of questions will they ask? How will you answer them? Do you have to ask them questions too? Thinking about this excessively can lead to stress and anxiety about the interview, but preparing for these questions beforehand can help reduce your nerves.

First, research the company thoroughly. Read up on the history of the organisation, its values, and its mission statement to make sure that your own goals align with theirs. Knowing this information will make it easier to answer questions about why you think this position is right for you; plus, it shows initiative!

Secondly, practice answering common interview questions before stepping in front of the interviewer. During the actual job interview, focus on keeping calm and remembering that it’s a two-way conversation that both parties should benefit from it.

 

2. Learn To Visualise Your Success

How can you ensure that you enter the room feeling prepared and confident? Visualisation is a powerful tool that can help you think about yourself achieving any goal. Say goodbye to your pre-interview nerves by visualising your success.

Visualisation involves picturing yourself in a situation, such as an upcoming job interview, and imagining yourself succeeding. Before an interview, take a few minutes to think about how things will go: what questions will be asked, what answers might come up for them; imagine yourself feeling confident and at ease during the whole process.

This technique not only helps build confidence but also allows for better preparation for any potential questions or scenarios that may arise in the actual interview.

 

3. Don’t Try To Please Everyone

Job interviews can be stressful, especially if you're the kind of person who tends to overthink and worry. It's natural to want to make a good impression on a potential employer, but it's important not to let your people-pleasing tendencies get in the way.

People pleasing is often driven by fear and an urge to please everyone around us but that's not going to help you land your dream job. You should come across as confident and comfortable in yourself during an interview don't over-apologize or try too hard to agree with everything the interviewer says just for their approval. Instead, focus on being yourself and showing off the best you have to offer. Trust that if you're the right fit for this job, the interviewer will see it!

 

4. Control Your Anxiety With Calming Foods

If you are trying to get rid of nerves before an interview, pay close attention to what you’re eating. The right food can energise you, while the wrong choices can cause anxiety, and even make you feel lethargic. Foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates are great options as they provide sustained energy and keep blood sugar levels stable. Eating something like oatmeal for breakfast or snacking on nuts will help to keep your cortisol levels low, which helps reduce anxiety and stress. Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water.

By ensuring that your body is adequately fuelled with calming food, you'll be giving yourself an added edge during the interview process and beyond!

5. Don’t Rush The Interview

To help reduce your anxiety and ace that job interview, it's important to take your time during the process.

The first step is to take a few deep breaths and practice meditation before walking into the room. Try to clear any thoughts of doubt or fear and focus on what you have to offer the company instead. When asked a question, don't rush into answering immediately, pause for a moment and think about what you are going to say before responding.

Even if there is silence in the room, try not to panic; this allows you to consider your response more thoroughly rather than blurting out something without thinking clearly.

You can find relief from anxiety with helpful techniques like EFT tapping. This soothing strategy is a great way to help calm your nerves before an interview and bring you peace of mind.

 

6. Other Options Are Always Available

If you’re still at a loss on how to get rid of nerves before an interview, remember that you always have more choices. Regardless of what happens in this interview, you can still find more job opportunities.

You don't want the pressure of feeling like this is your only chance at success; remember that whatever happens, even if it's not successful, chances are you can find another job with a bit more preparation and effort. It can help reduce the pressure on you right before the interview. Moreover, practice makes perfect!

 

7. Maintain Good Posture

While it might be hard at first, you need to sit up straight in your chair and resist the urge to fidget. It's natural for nerves to kick in during an interview; however, try your best not to let it show through your body language.

Maintaining a strong posture during the interview will give off an air of confidence which will carry over into other aspects of the conversation. Sitting up straight ensures you're alert and engaged in what's being said and that your message is heard loud and clear without any distractions from poor posture or fidgeting behaviours like tapping your feet or playing with jewellery.

 

Nothing Is Impossible

Acing a job interview and overcoming anxiety are both achievable goals. The key is to be prepared, practice self-care, and stay positive. If you can do those three things, then you will be well on your way to impressing the interviewer and feeling more relaxed during the process. Don't forget that it's okay to feel nervous. Just remember that with the right guidance and a strong mindset, you have everything you need to make your interview a success.