Interview anxiety is a common experience. Interviews are not something that you do on a regular basis and there’s a lot riding on them. But with the right strategies, you can manage and even overcome it. Here are tips to help you navigate and conquer interview-related nervousness and present your best self during interviews.
Be yourself
Authenticity is key during job interviews; no-one can maintain a façade forever. If you pretend to be something you’re not then eventually your new employer will find out. If the real you isn’t the right fit for the company, then it isn’t the right role for you. Embrace your genuine personality and focus on finding a role and organisation where you can truly thrive.
Prepare some questions and answers
Prepare answers to common questions so you don’t get flustered. Have a look at the job spec and prepare specific examples of where and when you have done what they’re looking for. Remember, an interview is a two-way process and you are interviewing the company as much as they’re interviewing you! Prepare insightful questions to gauge if the role and company align with your career goals and values to see if the role is right for you.
Be positive!
Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. While it’s natural to have concerns or negative experiences in your past job, avoid dwelling on them. You may hate your current boss, but telling a prospective employer what you really think about your present one won’t win you any brownie points! Focus on how you can turn negative situations into positive lessons for the future, or avoid talking about them completely. Emphasise your ability to adapt and grow, steering the conversation towards positive aspects of your career journey.
Everyone gets nervous
Some nerves are OK, it shows you’re only human. Don’t be afraid to mention your nervousness – it can be a conversation starter and may even help break the ice. It also means they might make allowances for any little slips you might make.
Avoid an obvious source of anxiety
Saving the most important to last. Nothing is guaranteed to make you feel anxious more than being late for the interview! Plan your route well ahead of time and check on the day for any sources of delay. Give yourself plenty of time to get there – you can always go for a coffee nearby if you’re early.
Prepare your outfit in advance
Wearing the right clothes not only makes a positive impression on the interviewer but also boosts your confidence. Panicking that you haven’t got anything to wear, or that your outfit isn’t clean/ironed will add to your anxiety though. Check well in advance if anything that needs dry cleaning has been cleaned. For everything else make sure you get it ready the night before.
Practice mindfulness techniques
Incorporate mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety before and during the interview. Deep breathing exercises, positive visualisation, and staying present in the moment can help calm your nerves. Practice these techniques regularly leading up to the interview to build confidence in your ability to manage stress.
Conduct mock interviews
Not everyone feels like they need this, but it’s a useful tool for people who don’t have much interview experience, or who haven’t had an interview in a long time. Enlist the help of a friend, family member, or career coach for mock interviews. Simulating the interview environment beforehand allows you to practice responses, refine your communication skills, and become more comfortable with the process. Constructive feedback from mock interviews can significantly boost your confidence.
These simple tips can help you overcome any pre-interview nerves you might have and increase your chances of success! Good luck!
Looking for more tips like these?
To help our candidates maximise their chances of finding, securing and thriving in their dream job we’ve put together a range of hints and tips about every stage in the job hunting process. You can get your copy of the free white paper here;