It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview, but there is no reason to suffer. Preparation is an excellent antidote to anxiety of any type, including the nerves that most people feel before an upcoming interview. Here are a few hacks to battle your pre-interview anxiety and nerves and set yourself up for success.
Focus on Self-Care
You’ll want to be in top mental and physical shape for your interview, but stress can drain your energy and even make you more likely to get sick. So your top priority should be taking care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep. Eat a nutritious diet and minimize alcohol consumption. Burn off nervous energy with physical exercise. And settle your anxiety with gentle yoga or meditation. If you have been job hunting for a while and have faced some rejection, read through some of these tips to help “reset” your interview clock and calm your nerves.
Use Visualization
Elite athletes use visualization to walk through their ideal performance in an upcoming competition. You can do the same for your job interview. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and mentally walk through every step of your interview from the moment you arrive. Picture yourself being charming, personable, and professional. Boost your confidence by mentally reviewing all your successes. Go through the questions you’ll likely be asked and the answers you want to give. Then visualize yourself getting the job offer.
Do Some Research
Knowing what to expect can help relieve anxiety. So do a deep dive into the company, including its history and mission. Look for reviews from current and former employees. See if you can find information on the interview process. Any data you uncover will help you feel more confident. Also, make sure your resume’ is up-to-date and is in a professional format.
Control What You Can
A major contributor to anxiety is the feeling of being out of control of the situation. Reduce your anxiety by taking control of everything that you can. Choose a comfortable, stylish outfit well in advance. Learn exactly where you need to be for the interview, and do a dry run of the exact route. If it’s a virtual interview, test your entire setup, including your webcam and microphone, and make sure you’ve downloaded any apps that are required. If your interview is with or through a temp agency, review this guide so you will know what to expect.
Pack Your Bag
Whether you carry a briefcase or a shoulder bag, or a backpack, you will need to have certain items with you during your interview – also consider how you will dress and what you will wear. Dress appropriately. At least a day ahead of time, pack your bag with such items as:
- Resumes and cover letters
- Business cards
- References
- Licenses and certifications
- Notepads and pens
- Breath mints
- A light sweater or jacket
Everyone gets some anxiety before interviews. But following the hacks above can help you stay cool and calm, boosting your chances for success.
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