27 Apr 2023
Nerves affect even the best of us. Some of the most successful business professionals have experienced some sort of anxiety in their lives, so don’t beat yourself up too much if you feel extremely nervous before or during a job interview, it’s completely normal. Here are our top 5 strategies for dealing with nerves:
1. Plan Ahead
This cannot be stressed enough. All too often job applicants get knots in the pits of their stomachs because they don’t know what to expect. But an easy way to walk into your interview with confidence is to plan ahead and think through all of the worst-case scenarios.
This includes not only developing answers to common interview questions but also jotting down answers to the questions you fear the most. For example, is there a particular question that you are just dreading that the interviewer will ask? If so, face your greatest fear and try coming up with an answer that is both honest and will reflect you in a positive light.
2. Have a Dress-Rehearsal
Another way to plan ahead and feel more at ease is to have a full-on dress rehearsal of the interview. Pick out your outfit, get all of your documents in order and have a friend, relative or even an interview coach interview you. Here, your “interviewer” will be able to help point out your strengths and weaknesses as well as address any mannerisms you may need to correct. It is also the perfect time to realise that a suit is too tight on you now and that you need to choose something different to wear.
As part of the dress rehearsal it may also be a good idea to actually take a quick drive to where your interview will take place to familiarise yourself with how to get there.
3. Have a Good Laugh
They don’t say laughter is the best medicine for nothing. Laughing can reduce levels of stress hormones and anxiety because when you laugh, the body releases “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins.
To replace any negative, jittery feelings with positive, confident ones simply fill the hours leading up to the interview with fun and laughter. Visit your funniest friend or watch that one film or TV programme that always leaves you in stitches.
4. Listen to Music
Another way to get rid of nerves is to listen to music that will either put you in a tranquil non-stress state or that will pump you up—you know, some confidence boosting music. It can help you feel inspired which can in-turn help your confidence in the interview.
5. Be Open About Nervousness
And finally, if you start feeling nervous during the interview remember that it’s ok to admit it. During the beginning of the interview or if you start to stumble on a question, it’s okay to say something like, “I’m sorry, I’m a little nervous.” This will only make you appear more human and the interviewer may just be able to relate to you more. Who knows, the interviewer may even be just as nervous as you are!
