Job interviews can be nerve wracking. Based on how the conversation goes you could go from unemployed to employed, you could go from a job you hate to a job to love, you could go from a job that pays you just enough to get by to a job that pays you enough so you can go on tropical vacations every year. The stakes are high! No wonder many people have interview nerves. There are a few things you can do however to overcome your interview nerves.
Prepare.
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." Preparing for your interview reduces the scary "unknowns" and increases your chances of being offered the job. Here are some ways you can prepare.
- Search for interview questions for your job position and write out your answers.
- Look up interview questions for the company on Glassdoor.com.
- Go to the interview location beforehand so you know how long it takes to get there and where to park.
- Research the company.
- Contact people in your network who work at the company or who know people who work at the company and get the inside scoop.
- Practice answering the interview questions with someone else.
- Ask the Recruiter what to expect.
Box breathing.
Box breathing is a technique Navy SEALS uses to stay calm in the heat of battle. If it works in life or death situations it will certainly work before an interview. To use box breathing:
- Inhale for the count of four.
- Hold for the count of four.
- Exhale for the count of four.
- Hold for the count of four.
- Repeat.
You can learn more about box breathing here.
Power pose.
Power posing is a technique that became popular following a TED talk about it. The short version is standing with your feed apart and your hands on your hips (like Wonder Woman) has been proven to increase confidence.
You can learn more about power posing here.
A career coach can help you prepare for your interview and reduce nerves too.
You might also be interested in reading: How to answer "Tell me about yourself."
