Who doesn’t get nervous before an interview? Your interviewers will know you are nervous, and they may be as well. While it’s understandable, you still don’t want your nerves to affect your success.
Luckily, there are various techniques you can use to minimize your anxiety:
- Research – The more research you conduct on your potential employer – the company, their culture, and if possible, the interviewer – the more confident you will feel. This will prepare you to answer and ask questions, and alleviate any feelings of being caught by surprise.
- Use your experience – You will be asked many questions in an interview that you have heard in other interviews with other companies. Plan for this and rehearse these commonly-asked questions.
- Hire help – If you’re really serious about a particular position, you’ve been preparing but you’re still a nervous wreck, consider hiring an interview coach. This certified career professional will help you calm your nerves, reduce your stress, and make it a more pleasant experience.
- Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – Are you familiar with the interview location? If not, conduct a dry run a day or two before so you know exactly where to go and estimate your travel time.
- Arrive early – Do not leave it to the last minute and turn up at the appointed time. You will alleviate much stress by arriving at least 10 minutes early. The reception area is also an excellent place for more research, where you can view the company culture and staff interactions.
- Smile – Smiling is said to relieve anxiety and stressful feelings, even if you’re faking it. It not only calms you, it improves your interviewer’s mood as well.
- Relax your body – Breathe deeply from the abdomen to help you stay calm when you’re answering questions.
- Be comfortable. Choose professional, clean, well-pressed items of clothing that are appropriate for the company culture (do your research!). This strategy alone can boost your confidence and set you on a path to success.
An interview is a conversation – a meeting point to discuss a business case between two people. Showing confidence can boost your candidacy and support the case that you are perfect for this position.