You’re looking for new job opportunities, you’re constantly checking job boards, and at last, you got an interview! It’s normal to feel a rush of nerves with the excitement that comes of getting an interview. It’s also important to be able to identify some symptoms of these nerves.
- Talk fast or stutter. To work on this, you can rehearse in front of a mirror. Try to record yourself so that you can see your expressions and filler words several times or ask someone not to ask you some interview-type questions and ask for their feedback, practice makes perfect. Also, have a glass of water nearby.
- Sweats or rapid palpitation. Sweating is your body’s response to nerves and it’s completely normal. If this happens to you, we recommend you wear clothes that do not perspire so easily or that you can cover yourself with. This is a situation that is difficult to control but there are things you can do that might help.
- Play with an object that you have on hand. Fidgeting can often demonstrate insecurity and might distract the interviewer from your narrative. Control this by clearing your surroundings of any items that you could potentially fidget with.
- Lost gaze. There are people who when they are nervous avoid eye contact. Keep this in mind and make it a point to look at the interviewer. Remember, it’s only a conversation and they want to get to know you better. It is widely recognized that interviewees tend to be nervous during an interview and these nerves could lead to severe anxiety. It’s most important to find a way to control these nerves to make a great first impression. Below are some tips on how to relax before the interview!
Before the job interview:
- Remind yourself that it’s normal to be nervous. The more you think about how nervous you are, the more nervous you get and the more stressed you become! It’s true that what’s at stake is a job, but it also is just that. This isn’t an interrogation, it’s a call to get to know you better. Remember to be yourself.
- Take the job interview as a conversation with an acquaintance. Decrease your nerves, sweating, and fidgeting by thinking of the interview as a conversation with a long-lost friend or an acquaintance. What would you tell them about your experience, strengths, skills?
- Do your homework! I cannot stress how important this is – do your homework! Make sure you do enough research on the company, and if you have the name of the interviewer, do a little research on them too. It’s better to come overly prepared than to be in the dark.
- Get a good night's sleep the night before the interview. This point is essential, you must be well-rested to have an excellent performance during the interview. When you do not sleep well, your attention levels are affected, as well as your memory. All of this can increase your nerves and stress.
- Meditate and breathe. Meditation will be your main ally to relax and reduce stress. Minutes before entering the interview, close your eyes, breathe deeply, inhale for 4 seconds, hold the air in your lungs for another 4 seconds and exhale slowly. With 2 minutes of this exercise, you will immediately feel more relaxed.
- Keep your head up. Lastly, remind yourself of your worth! Stay positive and picture yourself at the job prior to going into the interview. This will boost your mood.
Now, I hope you consider all of this before your next interview.
If you’d like to find your next job opportunity, feel free to take a look at: capitaworks.com/jobs.
