A job interview can make the most confident of us nervous, but there is no need to panic.
A few simple techniques and good preparation can do wonders to greatly reduce your stress levels. You need to be confident and prepared in order to create a good first impression.
Here are 10 ideas to appropriately deal with your nerves before or even after a job interview!
1. Prepare yourself
Do your homework before you head to the interview. The more information you know about your potential employer and yourself, the more confident you will feel. Think about some of the questions you are likely to be asked and prepare some good answers ahead of the day, so that you do not find yourself lost for words mid-interview.
2. Be calm
This may sound a bit like I’m stating the obvious, but it’s not recommended that you on go partying the night before your interview! Have a quiet evening in and if you feel like you’ve done enough preparation, use the time to watch your favourite TV show or read a book. Don’t drink too much as it might affect your sleep, the way you feel and your thought process the next day.
3. Plan your route
Make sure that you know exactly where the interview is being held and how you are going to get there. It’s also a good idea to plan an alternate route in case something unexpected happens on the regular route. It’s recommended that you arrive early to show you are an effective time keeper and truly are interested in the opportunity.
4. Fuel up
Not only your car but also yourself. Eat a good breakfast (or lunch), as feeling energised will help with confidence. Try to stay off anything that may give you nasty breath though and chew a piece of gum or brush your teeth after your meal, as you don’t want your interviewer to remember you as the one with the stinky breath!
5. Take deep breaths
Before you head into the interview, take a few deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose slowly and then breathe out slowly. This will allow you to take a few moments to yourself and calm yourself down quietly.
6. Be positive
Imagine yourself acing the interview. When you do this, your body will release endorphins, and you will feel happy. Positivity is key!
7. Chill and relax
Don’t arrive at the interview at the last minute. Give yourself some spare time to chill and relax. Get there early and spend some time at a coffee shop nearby, as this will give your brain a bit of down time or you could even fit in a bit of last minute prep work if it’ll help you feel more confident.
8. Know how to market yourself
Know what your strengths and skills are and how you can apply them to the position you are being interviewed for, you’ll be able to market yourself better. Make sure that you are prepared and have a strategy in place.
9. Don’t dwell on it
When you are done with the interview, don’t dwell on it. Don’t blame yourself on things that you could have done but didn’t. People tend to under perform a little when they are nervous, and most interviewees understand this. Therefore, don’t kick yourself for making silly little mistakes.
10. Ask for post-interview feedback
You should ask for feedback on how you did on the job interview whether you land the job or not. Constructive feedback allows you to identify the areas that you need to improve, and by improving your interview skills, you will be better prepared for your next interview.
