Interview nerves are a common problem for people who are seeking work. You’re more than likely to feel a little nervous before every interview, so how can you deal with them? There are a few ways you can calm your pre-interview nerves and make yourself feel that little bit more prepared. In this article, we will explore 5 tips on how to keep yourself calm and ready so that you are on top form for the big day.
- Do your research
It is always important to make sure you research the company you are interviewing for ahead of time so that you feel knowledgeable and prepared for any interview questions. Feeling ready for those interview questions will make you feel more confident that you are right for the job, which is very important as the interviewer will like someone who appears more confident. Go online and google the company, find out about what they’re doing/selling/what their biggest achievements are. If you have any friends who work/have worked for the company, ask them about it so that you have some knowledge from someone who knows the company well and knows what the interviewer will ask for.
- Make sure to get some rest
The worst thing you can do before an interview (especially a morning interview) is to not get a proper rest. Don’t let your worries cause you to stay up too late the night before, do something that relaxes you and don’t spend too long analysing the research you have done. Make sure you know everything you need to know and then allow yourself to switch off for the evening.
- Plan your day beforehand
Get what you are wearing to the interview ready the night before so that you aren’t scrambling to find something smart to wear in the morning. Get all documents you may need (passport, proof of eligibility to work, any forms they have asked you to fill in, your C.V and covering letter etc) and put them in a folder so that you have them ready to grab on your way out of the door. Make sure you look at a map of the route you need to take to get there and plan your journey to the interview so you are there early. The more organised and planned your day is, the more you will feel comfortable about going to your interview because you are minimizing the risks of anything going wrong before you arrive.
- Write down any answers to potential questions and any questions you may have
Making notes before your interview is the best way to give yourself a failsafe in case you can’t think of anything to say. This is because you know that you have something planned that you can say and the more you prepare these answers the easier it will be to react in that situation. Also prepare your own questions for the interviewer so that you don’t have to think of them on the spot in your interview. If you have notes with you, your interviewer is likely to be impressed that you are well prepared and organised.
- Remember that this job is not the only job in the world
It may feel as though the whole world is riding on this interview but remember that there is a good reason that you were offered an interview in the first place. You obviously have qualities that are impressive to potential employers so whatever happens you can always get another interview in the future. Of course, the ideal outcome would be that you are offered the job but just don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Remember to always stay confident and remind yourself that it is only an interview and that in the worst case scenario you can always get another one.
So there you have it, 5 tips for calming interview nerves. Whatever happens, you should be proud of yourself for making it to the interview stage because you have shown a level of intelligence and quality that has piqued the interest of an interviewer through your C.V and covering letter. Be proud, be confident and don’t put too much pressure on yourself and you will be great. Good luck!
