It might not seem like it, but interviews are actually just conversations—albeit ones with a little extra on the line. You know you'd be an awesome addition to the team, and you want to communicate that—but how do you overcome the pre-interview jitters?
We get it. Interviews are an inherently stressful situation; after all, a lot is riding on your answers. But here's the thing: If you can master techniques to reduce anxiety, your nerves may actually work in your favor. That's why we're here to walk you through five simple ways to chill out before your interview so that you can make a great first impression and rock that interview!
Prepare Ahead of Time
An interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but there are a few things you can do ahead of time to help calm yourself down and be better prepared.
Research the company and the position, get familiar with their values and culture, and come up with examples demonstrating how your skills match their needs. Being well-prepared will not only help you answer questions confidently, but it’ll help you focus on the conversation instead of getting anxious about impressing the interviewer.
Additionally, make sure to print out copies of your resume and have some questions ready for them; this will show that you’re truly interested in the opportunity and give you something to focus on as opposed to your nervousness. By taking these steps ahead of time, you’ll feel more confident in yourself when it comes time for your interview.
Take a Walk or Exercise
Your nerves can get the best of you before an important interview, but there's a lot that you can do to keep them in check. One effective way is to take a quick walk or do some light exercise. Not only does physical activity help reduce stress, but it also increases energy and alertness, which can help you stay focused during your interview.
If you don't have a lot of time, try these few suggestions:
Take a quick ten-minute walk around the block.
Do some light stretching or yoga poses in your office or at home.
Practice some deep breathing exercises for five minutes.
Not only will the physical activity help clear your head, but the fresh air and change of environment may be just what you need to feel more relaxed and ready to go before your big interview.
Practice Positive Affirmations
Let’s face it, our nerves can be our own worst enemy when it comes to interviews. That’s why it’s a good idea to practice positive affirmations as a way of calming yourself down. Positive affirmations can help you stay focused and remind you of your strengths.
Meditate for a Few Minutes
Have you ever tried meditation for calming your nerves before an interview? It's worth a shot! Meditation can help clear your mind to reduce stress and anxiety. Shut your eyes and spotlight on your relaxing. Inhale and exhale slowly. Pay attention to how your body moves as you inhale and exhale, feeling the air touch your skin, filling your lungs and moving through your body.
The following are a couple of ways of attempting it:
Find a tranquil place where you will not be upset.
Make yourself comfortable, either by sitting in a chair or by lying down.
Soften your facial muscles, relax any tension in the body, and close your eyes
Start focusing on each breath: feeling the air move through the nose then the abdomen, noticing when thoughts creep in but not dwelling on them
Gradually increase the length of each breath as you get more comfortable with this exercise
Allow yourself up to 10 minutes of meditation before returning to the activity at hand—your upcoming interview!
Mediation has been found to increase focus, improve self-regulation and reduce stress—all qualities that are important for a successful interview experience!
Try Visualization Techniques
Lastly, if your nerves are really getting to you, trying out visualization techniques can help relax your mind and body. Visualization is essentially imagining yourself in the ideal situation—or in this case, handling even the most difficult questions with poise and confidence.
Visualizing what you want to feel as you go into an interview can help lower your stress levels and give you a positive outlook on the situation. It might sound a bit woo-woo, but research backs it up: one study found that visualizing yourself succeeding can actually lead to improved performance in real life.
Ready to get started? Here are some steps for successful visualization:
Find somewhere comfortable and quiet—maybe even close your eyes!
Take a few deep breaths and try to relax your muscles from head to toe
Imagine yourself entering the interview room with ease, speaking clearly and confidently
Visualize yourself shaking hands with the interviewer and engaging in friendly conversation
Finally, see yourself leaving the interview feeling successful and proud of how you handled it
Conclusion
There you have it - five simple ways to stay calm before an interview. They are all easy to do, cost nothing, and may significantly improve your performance.
Remember, it’s natural to be nervous before an interview, but this doesn’t mean you can’t put yourself in the best position to succeed. With a bit of preparation and a few simple techniques, you can stay calm and give the best performance you can.
So, prepare well, practice your answers, and be mindful of any techniques that might help to mitigate your nerves. Ultimately, if you are confident in yourself and your experience, that will shine through in your interview. Good luck!
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