9 Top Tips to help reduce interview nerves
Can you control or reduce interview nerves?
Attending an interview is nerve-wracking and quite often it’s the ‘stepping into the unknown’ that worries us the most. Hopefully, some of the tips below will help you to control or reduce interview nerves.
Why do we get Interview nerves?
Nerves are the body’s natural response to perceived threats, both real and imagined. When the stress response is triggered, the body starts preparing to fight or flee, which can result in physical reactions such as faster breathing, increased heart rate, pale or flushed skin, clamminess and event physical shaking. These responses are involuntary, and while they are helpful in a dangerous setting, they can lead to feelings of nervousness when the threat is minimal. Fortunately, there are several practices and techniques you can try to ease your case of interview nerves.
How to calm your nerves before the interview
Here are nine techniques to help alleviate interview nerves:
1.Prepare yourself
Interview nerves often stem from the fear of the unknown. Work out your travel route to the interview beforehand, decide what to wear ahead of time, and plan a quiet evening the night before so you can prepare for your interview and get a good night’s sleep.
While it’s impossible to predict every question, preparing for common ones can significantly alleviate anxiety. Before the interview, research the company and interviewers, rehearse responses to typical questions, conduct mock interviews with a friend, and have your CV and notes ready. Write down any questions you have about the opportunity, key points about yourself you feel are important to share, and relevant notes for quick reference during the interview to help regain focus if needed. Additionally, do your research on the interviewer(s) to better understand their role and prepare accordingly.
Knowing what to expect can increase confidence and ease nervousness during the interview process.
2. Talk to family or friends
Talking to a cheerful friend or family member can greatly boost your confidence level. It’s easier to listen to someone else’s positive words than it is your own, and hearing compliments from a loved one can ease nervousness.
3. Eat & Hydrate
On the day of your interview eat well, have a good breakfast or lunch and keep hydrated before your interview so you have the energy you need. Being hungry or dehydrated can add to your worry and stress. Treat yourself to one of your favorite foods to help with your mood.
4. Get outside
Being outdoors is good for your mental health, and exercise releases positive neurochemicals. Try to go for a short break before your job interview, practice deep breathing, or take five minutes to walk around before entering the building to help clear your head.
5. Music
Pretty much everyone I have prepped for an interview who struggles with interview nerves will have heard me talk about Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind (‘New York, New York…….) track. Finding a track that motivates, empowers and drives you can be so helpful pre-interview. What music would you choose?
6. Try the STOP method
The STOP method is a mental technique to help you overcome stressful situations. The steps of this technique are:
- Stop what you’re doing and focus on what you’re thinking.
- Take a few deep breaths, as many as you need.
- Observe what is happening inside your body. Observe your emotions, what thoughts are in your mind, and why you are feeling these things.
- Proceed with the intention to incorporate your observations into your following actions.
The aim of the STOP method is to slow down and think about what you’re doing and acknowledge what you’re feeling at that moment. It allows you to remember that you are in control of your actions and thoughts.
7. Focus on your breathing and pause before you speak
As frequently as possible, focus on your breathing. This will help keep your mind from wandering and your emotions from spiraling. Before you speak, pause for a moment, and take a deep breath. Remaining calm and pausing before speaking provides you more time to share a thoughtful and composed response.
8. Remember you’re having a conversation
Reframing how you think about an interview can help to relieve stress. Remind yourself that a job interview is a conversation, not an investigation. They’re trying to work out if you are a good fit for the role, but likewise, this is also an opportunity for you to determine if the position and the company are a good fit for you. Before the interview consider what is important to you in your next role and bring these questions along to the interview, not only will this provide vital insights for you but such preparation will also show you are genuinely curious about the role and have made the effort to show your interest.
9. Show confidence
During your interview, practice active listening, which includes nonverbal cues such as smiling, active eye contact and nodding. Smiling can also trick your mind into feeling happy, which will allow you to relax a little more.
Remember, being nervous for an interview is normal. Preparing well for your interview will help control and reduce your nerves.
If you would like support, advice, or more tips on how to help reduce nerves in an interview situation please get in contact with Helen Yarrow, Director at Jackson Barnes Recruitment
E: helen@jbrecruitment.co.uk
T: 0203 488 2620