10 Ways To Calm Nerves Before Job Interview
10 Ways To Calm Nerves Before Job Interview. Being called for an interview is the greatest news ever. Days before the interview though are not easy. No matter how confident you are, you are bound to be a nervous wreck. The following tips can help you calm those nerves and hopefully bag the job.
1. Prepare For The Interview
Feeling prepared is the antidote to anxiety. A day or two before your interview, take some time to learn about the company, research who you’re going to meet, know the interview location, and practice how you’re going to answer some commonly asked questions.
2. Decide What To Wear Ahead Of Time
Get your power suit or power skirt or power pants ready a day or two before the interview. Research or inquire about appropriate attire for the company you’re interviewing at, check the weather and decide what you’re going to wear. Knowing what you’re going to wear and feeling confident in it, will save you time and trouble on the big day.
3. Give Yourself A Pep Talk
It’s not crazy to talk to yourself, it’s actually smart. Tell yourself all the things you need to hear: you’re smart, you’re qualified for this role, you’re going to kill it. Say it out loud (that makes it really stick) and say it with confidence. Just make sure you find a quiet place to do it.
4. Eat A Good Breakfast (or Lunch)
A great interview starts with a great meal. For some, this means going the healthy route, something full of those energy-boosting antioxidants. For others, it could be indulging in your favorite comfort foodsNo one can give solid interview answers when their stomach’s grumbling.
5. Skip The Caffeine
Your nerves will cause your adrenaline to start racing. Caffeine will simply cause you to ramp up further and can make you feel even more nervous. Take some deep breaths before your interview, do a few yoga poses to calm and focus the mind, be sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before, and eat a good meal.
6. Have A Good Laugh
They don’t say laughter is the best medicine for nothing. Laughing can reduce the levels of stress hormones and anxiety. This is because when one laughs, the body releases “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins. So to replace any negative, jittery feelings with positive, confident ones simply fill the hours leading up to the interview with laughter.
7. Do Whatever Relaxes You
Whether it’s meditating or doing yoga or running or taking a bubble bath or listening to soothing music, try to get rid of your pre-interview jitters by doing whatever helps you relax. Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep so you don’t have to stifle a yawn while sitting across from your interviewer.
8. Listen To Music
Another way to get rid of nerves is to listen to music that will put you either in a tranquil non-stress state or listen to some music that will pump you up—you know, some confidence boosting music that assures you that you are in fact the best. It can help you feel inspired which can in-turn help you dominate in the interview. Make a track list and listen to some motivational (or simply relaxing music) on the drive to the interview and or/while you wait.
9. Arrive Early
One of the few things you have control over is showing up to the interview and checking in at least 10 minutes early. This will give your potential new employer the impression that you’re punctual and respectful of others’ time. To calm your nerves, give yourself plenty of time to get there and even consider arriving an hour early and sitting at a coffee shop where you can take a few deep breaths before going in to interview.
10. Be Open About Nervousness
If you start feeling nervous during the interview remember that it’s OK to admit it. During the beginning of the interview or if you start to stumble on a question, it’s OK to say something like, “I apologize, I’m extremely nervous. This is my first interview” or “It’s been quite some time that I’ve been in this position.” This will only make you appear more human and the interviewer may just be able to relate to you more.
