How to Relax Before a Job Interview

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Interview anxiety is very common (even if you know you are well-qualified for a job). Meeting strangers in a position of authority; talking about yourself; being evaluated and judged on your appearance, demeanor, and ability to sell yourself—these are all triggers for nerves and stress. However, there are strategies you can use to help alleviate anxiety before an interview. And they work for both in-person and video-call interviews.

How to Relax Before an Interview

In the days and hours leading up to an interview, take proactive steps to prepare yourself and manage stress. While it may be difficult to achieve a real state of calm, you will feel better if you are making an effort to cope with your anxious feelings.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your body can go a long way toward alleviating nervous energy and helping you feel more calm. Avoid caffeine, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Keeping yourself in good health is paramount when facing potentially stressful situations.

Visualize Success

Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed, close your eyes and visualize yourself being successful in your interview. Visualizing success is more than just positive thinking. When done correctly, it prepares your brain to behave in a certain way. This technique is used by elite athletes before competitions to improve performance.

In the future, virtual reality might help you prepare for an interview. A small study investigated the effectiveness of using virtual reality (VR) to improve job interview skills, reduce fears, and increase confidence about job interviews. The results showed that the VR program lessened anxiety.Features such as ongoing feedback and being able to review a transcript of the interview were cited as helpful.

Do your search

Research is a good anxiety-reliever. Before the interview, learn as much as you can about the potential employer and prepare answers to common interview questions. Every bit of preparation that you can do will help to increase your comfort level and make you feel more confident and capable in the interview.

Reduce stressors unrelated to your actual performance in the interview, such as uncomfortable clothing, getting lost, or showing up late. Well in advance, choose an outfit that is comfortable and that looks good on you. If you aren't familiar with the location of the interview, give yourself plenty of time to find it or do a trial run a day or two before, making sure to factor in traffic conditions at the time you'll be traveling and where to park.

If your interview will be on a video platform, make sure you have installed any apps you'll need. Test out tech like your webcam, microphone, and headphones in advance to confirm that everything is in working order.

Be Prepared

A well-prepared interviewee has an immediate advantage in an interview. In addition, feeling prepared will build confidence and reduce interview anxiety. Bring everything that you think you might need for an in-person interview:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Business cards

• References

• Licenses

• Certifications

• Pen and notepad

How to Stay Calm During an Interview

No matter how much advance prep you do, it's normal to feel nervous during an interview. Try these tactics if you feel anxiety mounting during your discussion with a prospective employer.

Don't Succumb to Pressure

Once in a while, you may be interviewed by someone who grills you to see how you handle stress. It may be tempting to spiral into negative automatic thinking, such as

"They know I can't handle this job; I should never have applied" or "They don't really like me; I'll never get the job."

Stop. If you find yourself in this situation, realize what the interviewer is trying to accomplish and don't let them upset you. Know that the other candidates have been treated the same way and that it is not a reflection of you or your capabilities.

Release Anxious Energy

Anxiety has a way of leaking out even when you think that you have it well-hidden. If you find yourself fidgeting, do something to release anxious energy that will be less noticeable, such as wiggling your toes or some subtle progressive muscle relaxation. You might also try a few deep breaths (either before the interview, or during the interview when you are not speaking but instead listening to the interviewer).

You don't have to answer questions immediately. Pause before answering and collect your thoughts.6 If you worry about drawing a blank during interviews, take notes as your interviewer talks. This takes the focus off of you and allows you to refer to your notes after a question has been asked. If you draw a blank, keep making notes and say that you want to collect your thoughts before responding.

original content by AreejAfn

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