Embarking on the journey toward a new career or a new job opportunity is undoubtedly exciting. However, for many, the thought of facing a job interview can trigger a wave of anxiety. The pressure to make a lasting impression can give even the best of us anxiety. Plus, the uncertainty of what lies ahead can leave even the most qualified candidates feeling nervous and apprehensive.
If you find yourself grappling with job interview anxiety, you're not alone. Thankfully, there are ways to help you get past these nerve-wracking moments and present the best version of yourself to potential employers.
Let's explore five invaluable tips and tricks designed to ease your job interview anxiety together. These tips and tricks will help you confidently show off your skills and experience. Let's dive in and discover how you can transform those anxious moments into opportunities for successful interviews.
1. embrace your fears
It may sound counterintuitive, but the first step to overcoming job interview anxiety is acknowledging and embracing your fears. Rather than being upset with yourself for experiencing anxiety, recognize these feelings. Know that these feelings are natural and evidence of your understanding of the importance of the interview. Job interviews are high stakes; scrutinizing every word and action can be overwhelming.
Redirecting the mental energy spent on self-criticism towards a more constructive mindset is crucial. Understand that feeling anxious about a job interview is a universal experience shared by professionals across diverse fields. The evaluative nature of the process, which examines every aspect of your capabilities, contributes to this anxiety.
Consider anxiety as an integral part of our 'fight or flight' mechanism. Anxiety is a response that prepares us to confront the unknown or mobilize our physical resources for escape.
Although the surge of adrenaline may come with dry mouths and heightened heart rates, it serves a purpose beyond inducing discomfort. This reaction sharpens our senses, heightens our alertness, and ultimately enhances our performance. Embracing your fears and viewing anxiety as a natural part of the process. This will create a more positive and empowered approach to your job interview.
2. prepare, prepare and prepare some more
Preparation equips you with the knowledge and information you need. Ask a friend or family member to help you do a mock interview. During the mock interview, try to practice answers to common interview questions. Practicing an interview will help you learn how to answer questions and will help you calm your nerves before the interview begins.
Try to go beyond just practicing interview question responses. Try to practice your delivery of each response. This will assist you in refraining from uttering "um" and "uh", and prevent excessive use of the word "like". A well-rehearsed and articulate interview will exude confidence, making a lasting positive impression on the interviewer.
Preparation is the key to cultivating confidence and composure for an interview. Like Wonder Woman, preparing for job interviews sets the foundation for a great performance in this tough arena.
3. think positive
Thinking positively isn't just a new age mantra; hard science creates links between outlook and outcome. The phenomenon of self-fulfilling prophecies is real, and you can make it happen. Studies show negative thoughts are paralyzing.
Negative thoughts narrow our focus and shut off our ability to think and act in a grand scheme way. This is part of the aforementioned ‘fight or flight’ response. Conversely, positive thoughts help us see possibilities and options. Which leads to developing and mastering new skills and increasing our potential for success.
Consider changing your internal monologue to include positive affirmations. Create a mental picture where you’re relaxed in the interview, and the conversation flows. Practice meditative or yoga breathing; it’s hard to feel anxious when you’re breathing slowly and steadily. Plug your earbuds in and listen to upbeat, positive music before the interview.
4. find perspective
No one participates in an interview because they’re ambivalent about a job—or at least we hope so. The stakes are usually pretty high. That said, manage your own expectations during the job search and interview process.
In other words, don’t trump up the interview's significance in your head. While it’s important and might even be the job of your dreams, it’s not the last opportunity in the world. If the job interview doesn’t go perfectly, other opportunities will exist. In fact, we know there will be many opportunities waiting on your doorstep.
Avoid taking that desperation into your interview, no matter how desperate you feel. Be excited, not desperate. At its worst, the interview will allow you to learn more about yourself. You'll discover your interview strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll be even better next time.
5. fake it until you make it
Does pretending to be successful until you actually become successful work in a job interview? Yes, it does. We are not saying you should enter the interview and make up or lie about your skills and experience. Rather we are saying that rather than waiting to gain confidence, behave as if you already possess it.
Confidence is an attitude, not a feeling.
Body language is everything; throw your shoulders back, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Most importantly, doing some deep breathing before you enter the interview is a good idea. Surprisingly, studies show that behaviors precede emotions. If you're not feeling confident, act like you do because it will lead to real confidence.
Having your feet firmly planted on the ground makes it hard to feel small. Put your hands on your hips, stand tall and strong and take a deep breath. Engage in a process of assuming confidence until genuine assurance manifests. This transformation is likely to occur sooner than expected.
A good interviewer wants you to succeed and understands the whole interview process is anxiety-provoking. They’re not looking to sabotage you even as they observe how you operate under pressure. Remember, the person who is interviewing you had to interview before they had their job, too.
navigate your job interviews with confidence
Mastering job interviews requires a strategic mindset. Embrace fears and channel them into a positive outlook. Preparation is key – research the company, practice common questions and engage in mock interviews for confidence.
Maintain a positive perspective during interviews, viewing them as opportunities rather than challenges. Remember to manage expectations to ensure a relaxed experience.
The mantra "Fake it until you make it" underscores the importance of projecting confidence, influencing how interviewers perceive you. Recognize that interviewers are potential allies, and ongoing support is often available for your professional journey.
You're now ready to take on your interview with confidence and ease.
