Why Do We Get Interview Nerves?
The anxiety you feel is your body’s natural response to a challenging situation. Much like the fight-or-flight response our ancestors experienced when facing wild animals, your body floods with adrenaline to prepare you. But instead of confronting a tiger, you’re facing a different kind of challenge—a conversation that could shape your future.
While these nerves are natural, they can be managed—just like finding your breath in the cool breeze of a forest or the rhythmic pulse of ocean waves. By understanding the science behind your nerves, you can harness them and turn them into positive energy during your interview.
Common Symptoms of Interview Nerves:
Just as you would prepare for a hike by packing the right gear, you can prepare for your interview by managing these symptoms.
Tips to Stay Calm:
Schedule a Morning Interview
Much like the early morning light energises the day, an earlier interview can help you avoid the buildup of anxiety. Choose a time that allows for stress-free preparation.
Take a Pre-Interview Walk
If you live near the sea, a walk along the coastline can work wonders. Inhale as the waves come in, exhale as they recede. If you’re not near the ocean, visualize a serene beach scene to calm your mind before the interview.
Prepare Like Planning a Holiday
Research the company and interviewers in advance, much like planning your holiday itinerary. Create a “cheat sheet” with key company facts, notes about the interviewer, directions, potential questions, and your key skills. Choose your outfit well in advance—think of it as packing for a trip.
Plan a Post-Interview Reward
Just as you look forward to a beach day after a busy workweek, plan something enjoyable after your interview. Whether it’s a massage, a favorite meal, or a workout, having something to look forward to can shift your mindset from stress to excitement.
Engage in Pre-Interview Exercise
Exercise—whether it’s a brisk walk or yoga—can clear your mind and release endorphins, similar to the invigorating feeling after a swim. Even some stretching and deep breathing can help manage adrenaline.
Practice Positive Affirmations
Like soaking in the warmth of the sun, positive affirmations can brighten your outlook. Repeating phrases like “I am perfectly qualified for this job” or “I will impress my interviewer” can set a positive tone for the day.
On the Day of the Interview:
Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Start your day with a nutritious meal that fuels your body and mind, much like a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring.
Avoid Overstimulating Drinks
Just as too much sun can cause discomfort, too much caffeine can overstimulate your nerves. Opt for herbal teas or water with lemon to stay hydrated and focused.
Listen to Soothing Music
Create a playlist that starts with energising tunes and transitions to calming melodies. Let the music be your companion, like the gentle sounds of nature on a morning walk.
Keep Perspective
Remember, everyone experiences nerves before an interview. The interviewers know this and are rooting for you, just as you would cheer on a friend. They’ve invited you because they see potential—take a deep breath and remember that you belong there.
Use the AWARE Technique:
Shift Your Perspective
Remember, an interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. The interviewers are simply getting to know you, like new friends around a campfire.
Use Empowering Body Language
Smile, keep your shoulders back, and sit with a straight posture. These actions signal to your brain that you’re in control.
Listen and Respond Calmly
Take a moment to breathe before answering questions. Let your thoughts flow like a gentle stream, avoiding the rush. If you need time, ask to come back to the question.
Redirect Tough Questions
If unsure about a question, calmly steer the conversation toward a related topic you’re comfortable with. Practice this skill, much like rehearsing a new route on a familiar trail.
Use Positive Body Language
Even if your words feel shaky, open body language—like sitting forward or using your hands when speaking—communicates confidence.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing, like embarking on an adventure, can be challenging. But by planning ahead, preparing thoroughly, and taking care of your well-being, you can harness your nerves and let them work for you. Approach your interview with the calm confidence of someone who has just returned from a rejuvenating holiday, ready to show potential employers that you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Take the Next Step
As you prepare for your next interview, remember that your nerves are not a weakness but a sign that you care about the opportunity ahead. By embracing calm and implementing the strategies, you can transform that nervous energy into confidence and clarity.