It is typically common to feel anxious when you’re heading into a job interview. We are on edge about numerous things, and advancing our careers is one of them. While those nerves can sometimes be sufficient to keep you on your toes, they can also be detrimental. Managing your concerns in check will serve you in the job interview process, and here are four suggestions for doing just that.
1. Breathe. Breathing exercises can help you maintain calm and obtain a positive attitude. Your hands could be shaking, your voice cracking, and your mind racing. One of the biggest things you can do is take a couple of breaths. It will help your body relax, increase heart health even if you still feel that sense of fear. These techniques center your consciousness and put you at peace.
2. Prepare. When you have a detailed answer ready for those tough questions, they won’t intimidate you as much. Coming prepared with explanations and real-life examples makes you more personable. With a professional outfit-perfected resume and plenty of company knowledge, you’ll have the advantage of showing your best self. You might feel shaky with the first question, but your confidence will grow once you realize you know the answer. Even if you suddenly have a question thrown at you, your confidence will be high enough to answer with ease.
3. Practice. Put on your best interview outfit and submit your documents ahead of time via email. Whether online or in-person, come equally prepared and ready to engage with the interviewer. Practice your walk, handshake, react to what is being said, and maintain direct eye contact, especially on a video chat. Know the stories and examples you plan to share. Practice them by speaking to them aloud in the mirror, in the car, and even others. Doing so should minimize stutters, using filler words, and overall nervousness.
4. Focus. Don’t be distracted by office pictures, any unusual smells, boisterous office mates, the background in the video, or even your thoughts. Please concentrate on the interview at hand and the individual you want them to see. This is your one chance to let them know who you are but don’t forget; it is not the end of the world if you do not get this specific role. There will be other opportunities. Maintain a positive attitude, and with your eye on the prize, wherever it may be, you’ll achieve success.
A reasonable amount of healthy fear of job interviews will encourage you to stay sharp and ready to deliver your best. Follow the above steps to keep yourself calm yet prepared to perfect your following job interview. For more job interview tips, contact us today.