1: Reduce external pressures
One of the easiest ways to bring your anxiety level down before an interview is to minimise any external pressures for example have your clothes ironed and ready to wear (also try on first to make sure they still fit, and no hems have come down or buttons are missing) and print out a copy of the job and your CV so you can refresh yourself prior. Also do a trial run if you’re driving there, so you know where the best place to park might be and how long did it take to get there. If you are having a virtual interview, then make sure you have downloaded the appropriate platform and are familiar with how it works and have set up your computer for the best light and lack of interruptions.
2: Prepare for success
Getting organised is a great way to help you feel calm and confident going into an interview. There are lots of aspects involved in interviewing for a position, but there are simple ways to feel on top of what’s to come. One of the best ways to prepare is by practising answers to common interview questions. Seek has a great “practice interview builder” to see different types of questions employers tend to ask. We have developed a common interview questions booklet at PP and I’m only too happy to email it to you to have a read of, just drop me a line. Researching the organisation or business beforehand helps you feel more confident about what they do and what they look for in their employees. There are different factors to investigate when researching a company, but generally you’ll want to understand its history, culture, mission, achievements and hiring process (working with an agency helps as we give you all this info) but it recommended that you at least check them out online. Also, if you know the name of the person interviewing you, maybe check them out on LinkedIn as well. Read through the job description and make sure you understand what is expected of you.
3: Release your nervous energy
Do something calming or relaxing before your interview whatever that might be, go for a walk or run, do some yoga and meditation there are stacks of calming apps that you can make use of giving you the opportunity to get your head in the game.
4: Breathe
If you feel nervous in the middle of the interview (don’t run out of the room screaming😊) stop, take a deep breath, it might sound overly simple, but it really helps! Breathing deeply helps slow down your thoughts, reduces their intensity and quietens our nervous response. Also, there is nothing wrong with letting the interviewer know that you are nervous.
5: Take perspective
While you might have your heart set on one role, its important to take a broad prospective, rather than putting pressure on yourself around this one interview or opportunity. There are always new opportunities, so even if you don’t land this role, you would have gained invaluable interview experience and will hopefully be better prepared for the next interview. Bottom line peeps it’s totally normal to feel anxious or nervous before or during an interview. While there’s no best way to manage feelings of anxiety, implementing some simple strategies can help you prepare to face your interview with a little more ease and confidence. And remember if you are heading into an interview, you’re already halfway there.