If those interview nerves tend to get the better of you, then fear not! We have a few handy tips to help you feel confident and relaxed.
First things first, well done for reaching the interview process. Recruiters can receive dozens of applications each day and yours is one of the ones that stood out! It’s now your time to tell them exactly why you’re the person for the role.
When it comes to feeling anxious before an interview, it’s completely normal. How you manage and monitor those nerves is crucial to helping you think straight and feel comfortable. Here are a few simple ways you can help calm your anxieties and show you’re the one for the job:
Go for stroll
Let out those pre-interview jitters by going out for a relaxing walk. It will help clear your mind and the fresh air will have you feeling refreshed.
Get into a comfy position
You may be there for a while so comfort is important. Try to maintain a good posture of a straight back and feet flat on the floor. Not only is this good for your general back health, but studies have also suggested it will make you feel more confident.
It’s also a good idea to lean in a little bit to show you’re listening and engaging with what the interviewer is saying.
Focus on your breathing
Before your interview, do a relaxing breathing technique like, breathing in through your nose to the count of three and then slowly out through the mouth. This is beneficial for lowering your heart rate and slowing down how fast you talk.
Prepare and practice
You can never fully know what they’re going to ask you in the interview or how you’re going to respond. However, the more you can prepare and practice possible questions, the less you have to stress about.
And don’t forget if they do hit you with a curveball question, just take a moment to pause, compose yourself and then answer.
Talk with your hands
If you find yourself fidgeting a lot in an interview, making gestures with your hands can help combat this and help you come across as more confident.
Eat breakfast
The last thing you want before an interview is to feel tired and drained from a lack of food. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason – so don’t miss it!
Remember: it’s just another conversation
Are you thinking positively about the interview? Before an interview, it can be easy to think about the things that could go wrong and the “what if’s”, instead of seeing it for what it really is; a chance for you to show off your knowledge and personality. At the end of the day, you’re just one person talking to another person and all you have to do is answer all their questions honestly.
We hope these tips will help you on your way to smashing your interview!