While your CV, experience, abilities, and education are all crucial in getting a job, the interview is often the company’s first true impression of you. In a job interview, it’s critical to present oneself effectively, but interview jitters may make this difficult. In this post, we’ll show you how to overcome interview anxiety.
What does it mean to be nervous during an interview?
Nerves are the body’s natural reaction to being in an unfamiliar environment. Interview nerves occur when your body’s stress reaction is triggered, and your body prepares to fight or escape in response to the perceived threat of a job interview. Physical responses such as fast heartbeat, quick breathing, pale or flushed skin, dilated pupils, or shaking may occur throughout this procedure.
These are automatic responses, and while they might be useful in a threatening situation, it’s better to keep your cool before heading to an interview. Fortunately, you may attempt a variety of activities and strategies to help you overcome your interview anxiety.
How to Relieve Nerves During an Interview
There are numerous things you may do during a job interview to help you relax. Try these strategies the next time you’re worried before an interview:
- Keep your hands busy
- Take a look at the S.T.O.P. technique.
- Concentrate on your breathing and take a breath before speaking.
- Keep in mind that this is only a chat.
- Be upbeat and confident with your body language.
1. Keep your hands busy
Keeping your hands busy might aid in the channeling of anxious energy. If you’re sat in front of a computer and can’t see your hands, try twiddling your thumbs to relax. Keep a tiny object in your hands, such as a pencil, but be mindful that toying with it may draw attention to your hands. You will be less likely to fidget throughout the interview if your hands are engaged.
2. Take a look at the S.T.O.P. technique
The S.T.O.P. approach is a mental strategy for dealing with stressful situations. This technique’s steps are as follows:
- Stop what you’re doing and concentrate on your thoughts.
- Take as many deep breaths as you require.
- Observe your emotions, your thoughts, and why you are feeling the way you are. Keep an eye on what’s going on within your body.
- Proceed with the goal of incorporating your findings into your subsequent activities.
The S.T.O.P. technique encourages you to slow down and be aware of what you’re doing and feeling at any given time. It helps you recall that your actions and ideas are under your control.
3. Concentrate on your breathing and take a breath before speaking.
Focus on your breathing while you’re not answering questions. You’ll be less worried if you don’t let your mind wander. Pause for a moment and take a deep breath before speaking. It’s easier to stay cool if you pay attention to your breathing, and stopping before speaking gives you more time to think of the ideal answer.
4. Keep in mind that you’re having a discussion.
While anxiousness is normal, changing your perspective on an interview might help you relax. Remind yourself that a job interview is nothing more than a dialogue between you and another person about yourself. All you have to do is respond to the interviewer’s questions and be true to yourself. In an interview, you are not obligated to do anything else.
5. Your body language should reflect your confidence.
Sit or stand confidently during your interview. Your physical posture can have a soothing impact on your thoughts. Smiling can also fool your mind into thinking you’re pleased, allowing you to unwind a bit more.
Tips for calming your anxiety before an interview
Here are a few more suggestions to help you relax before a job interview:
Take a walk
Exercise releases happy neurochemicals, and being outside is excellent for your mental health. To help clear your mind, go for a 15-minute stroll before your job interview or take five minutes to wander about before entering the building.
Make yourself ready.
Anxiety can be reduced by feeling prepared. Prepare for the interview by researching the firm, practicing with a buddy, and having your resume and notes available. There are several resources available on the internet to help you prepare. Especially, if you’re being interviewed for a developer job, you may want to check out react js interview questions.
If you know the name of the person who will be interviewing you, find out all you can about them. Make a list of any questions you have, as well as any details about yourself that you’d like the firm to know, and any other notes that will help you stay focused. Knowing what to expect will make you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Make your day revolve around the interview.
If you keep to your schedule and whatever plans you may have, your day will be more productive. If at all feasible, schedule your job interview during the morning to avoid being anxious and waiting all day. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before so you can function and be attentive. Make a plan to do something enjoyable or interesting following the interview, and you’ll have something to look forward to.
Speak with a family member or a close friend.
Talking to a positive friend or family member may considerably increase your self-assurance. It’s simpler to listen to someone else’s good words than it is to speak your own, and receiving praise from a loved one may help you relax.
Eat breakfast
Before your interview, have a healthy breakfast to ensure you have the energy you require. Worry and stress can be exacerbated by hunger. To improve your mood, choose one of your favorite dishes.