Pursuing various jobs in today’s ever-growing healthcare industry—or any field in the modern labor market—can be a challenging task without thorough research, knowledge of current career trends, and a solid job search plan. One crucial part of this journey is preparing for a job interview.
However, many people experience anxiety when it comes to interviews. Why do we get nervous, and more importantly, how to calm nerves before an interview? In this guide, we’ll share proven techniques to help ease your anxiety and ensure you’re ready to walk into your interview with confidence, ready to make a great impression.
Reasons Behind Getting Nervous Before Interviews
As a job seeker, you might be curious about the reasons job interviews are so stressful, as well as why job interviews tend to make you feel nervous.
As psychologist Dr. Sherry Benton of Tao Connect explains, experiencing nervousness happens when people feel like doing a performance or dealing with a stressful situation. Hence, being nervous is due to the brain’s effort to help us prepare for what’s coming. Your brain signals your body to be in “defense mode” though there’s no real danger. This is because you’re in a “similar” case when you’re doing a job interview.
4 Ways on How to Calm Nerves Before an Interview
Having a game plan beats all those jitters. Ensure you have one so that you can avoid useless pressure. Give these awesome tricks a try and see how your whole interview session will improve.
1. Prepare.
Don’t overlook the power of starting your day right, as it can help set the mood for the rest of your day. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast, take deep breaths, and slow down as you prepare for your interview day. If needed, consider waking up a few hours earlier than usual to avoid feeling rushed.
Additionally, hype yourself up to shake off the nervousness. You can do this effectively by reciting your mantras or listening to calming songs from your playlist. Participating in a mock interview with friends or family can boost your confidence and help you practice answering common interview questions. Reach out to your peers, family, and friends for motivation and advice to excel in your interview.
2. Dress to feel your best self.
Whether you’re doing an in-person or virtual interview, try to wear an outfit that you feel most confident in while keeping professionalism. Before your interview day, try some clothes and pick the power outfit you know would help boost your confidence.
Lastly, show up at the venue or in the virtual meeting looking sharp, neat, and presentable. Doing this doesn’t only help you give the impression that you’re well-prepared; it also lets you set a good mood, telling your overall state that it’s going to be a good session. Hence, you’ll be able to think positive thoughts only.
3. Be willful with your mindset.
As you count the hours and minutes before your interview, it’s also best to keep your mindset in check as your mental health can affect your overall state. As a result, you may experience having negative thoughts and forgetting how to calm nerves before an interview.
If it helps, plan to reward yourself regardless of the outcome. Knowing how to calm nerves before an interview can make you feel more relaxed, as having something to look forward to after the session can significantly reduce your anxiety.
4. Place a strong value on being on time.
One of the most crucial ways to avoid getting too much pressure before an interview is arriving early or on time on your interview day. If you’re doing a virtual one, set up your gadgets and Internet connection at least an hour before to check if everything’s working.
While waiting for your interview, use this time wisely to make a great impression on the interviewer or hiring manager. One effective way how to calm nerves before an interview is to rehearse your self-introduction, ensuring you convey confidence and clarity. Additionally, consider doing some stretches to awaken your mind and body, helping you feel more relaxed and focused as you prepare for the conversation ahead.
3 Ways on How to Calm Nerves During an Interview
Aside from knowing how to calm nerves before an interview, it’s also key to know how to do so during the session itself. Here are some quick tips to get you started.
1. Don’t rush.
Ensure you’ve done your breathing exercises to help lower your heart rate. This helps you stay calm during the meeting and lets you speak at a more proper speed.
Further, learn to slow down and don’t think anyone’s rushing you to express your answers in a snap. Instead, make sure to listen to the question, understand what the interviewer tries to get out of you, and think about your answers carefully.
2. Find your most relaxed sitting position.
To avoid unnecessary shaking, feeling irritated, and fidgeting, take time to sit properly during the meeting. Avoid leaning back on your chair as it can affect your posture and tempt you to slouch. This may be subtle, but your body language has an impact not just on how you’ll be able to focus but also on the overall mood of the interview.
If this is something novel to you, you can try practicing your best sitting position while you’re at home. This way, you’re already aware of it and won’t have a hard time during the big day.
3. Treat it as a normal talk.
Perhaps the simplest tip, try your best to enjoy the conversation by being yourself. It’s crucial to avoid too much formality and the risk of losing your “true voice” throughout the interview.
While maintaining professionalism is essential, knowing how to calm nerves before an interview can help you relax. Adding some personality to your conversation can create a more enjoyable and engaging atmosphere, allowing you to present your skills and experiences more effectively.
Unlock Your Potential Interview with Standout Resume
To calm your nerves before an interview, preparation is key. Start your day right with a good breakfast, deep breathing, and some positive affirmations. Dressing in an outfit that boosts your confidence, managing your mindset, and arriving early will also help set a positive tone. Remember, staying focused on these details can greatly reduce interview anxiety and set you up for success. During the interview, don’t rush—take your time to listen, respond thoughtfully, and maintain a relaxed posture. Approach the interview as a natural conversation to stay calm and present.
However, before you can even land that crucial interview, having a standout resume is essential. A well-crafted resume tailored to the job will make you a more attractive candidate and increase your chances of getting noticed. Don’t leave your success to chance; take action now to ensure your resume shines and effectively highlights your skills and experiences. Contact us today to get started on your journey to interview success!
