Everyone gets nervous before an interview, its totally normal. But you don’t want those nerves to get in the way of doing well in your interview. Its easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re thinking about any questions you might be asked, the best way to answer, worrying about if you brought everything you need, etc. Sometimes we need a little help to keep our nerves in check to keep us focused. We have a few different options here for you to try out for your next interview.
Get Moving
Physical activity does the body AND mind good. Even something as simple as going for a walk has been shown to help reduce stress while also contributing to a healthier lifestyle. You don’t need to run a marathon or do some power-lifting before your interview (and its probably not a good idea to), but a light workout or simply taking the stairs or parking further from the building so you can get a few more steps in can help you work out some of those jitters.
Make a Cheat Sheet
One of the biggest causes of pre-interview nerves is the fear of not knowing how to answer a question or feeling unprepared. No one wants to look like a fool, especially during an interview. An easy fix is to have a little cheat sheet written up to help with the more difficult questions. You should always take a note pad and paper in to your interview to jot down notes, but also have a page in there that you can look at if you get stumped by a question. You don’t want to lean on your cheat sheet for the entire interview, and you definitely don’t want to just read off of it; but simply having that sheet available for reference can help boost your confidence heading in to an interview.
Smile
We’re not kidding! Studies show that smiling can help boost your confidence and actually creates a sense of happiness if held for long enough. In this case, the saying “fake it till you make” actually applies! Try keeping a smile before and during your interview. It will help you feel a bit more comfortable while also giving you a pleasant and eager appearance that will make the recruiter like you even more.
Listen to Music
Music is a powerful tool for motivation that few consider for interviews. Think about it, if you work out, chances are you have a playlist that fires you up and helps you get the best out of your routine. The same approach can be taken for interviews. Maybe you have a certain song that gets you pumped up, or one that relaxes you, or maybe you listen to a podcast that helps settle your mind. Whatever it is, consider spending some time in your car rocking out to get those jitters down and your confidence up. (plus it gives you some time to practice your air guitar skills!)
Phone A Friend
Sometimes the best thing to help deal with stressful situations is the caring voice of a friend. If you know they’re not busy, spend some time chatting with them on the phone just before you head in for your interview; or if they are available, spend the morning with them doing some enjoyable activities. A few words from a good friend is sometimes all you need to motivate yourself and rock that interview. Plus, you can always call them right after and talk about how it went.
Have Plans For Later
Not looking forward to your interview? Then have plans scheduled for afterwards that you’re looking forward to. It may help to ease your nerves if you know there’s a movie date, dinner, or other activity you enjoy at the other end of your interview. This will help not only with your jitters during the interview, but can help you unwind afterwards and keep you from worrying about if you said the right things or if your recruiter noticed that stain on your shirt.