Top 10 Job Interview Tips: How To Calm Your Nerves
By: Andy Huizar
Graphic by: Andy Huizar
You’ve practiced every single interview question that could possibly exist. You’ve done plenty of research on the company you are interviewing for and feel very confident you’ll get the position. You have been waiting for this moment for what seems like decades and the day is finally here. The thing is, you still have butterflies racing inside your stomach. Don’t worry, everyone gets some level of nerves right before an interview. It would be strange if one wasn't the least tad bit anxious.
Good thing you are reading this because we have 10 tips that can help for an interview.
1. Go outside
Sometimes the best medicine is the great outdoors. Lower your stress levels by taking a stroll in your neighborhood to boost those healthy endorphins. 4-7-8 Breathing Method and 4-7-8 Breathing Method!
And why not bring your dog along the way if you have one. --"Try some breathing exercises"- could you expand on what that means? For example "breathe in for 5 seconds, and breath out for 5 seconds", or speak about mindful breathing- something similar to that. Also, the breathing exercises and dog sort of run into each other. Could you separate the clauses?
2. Call a friend
A friendly voice might do the trick to get your mind off of the scary-looking interview waiting ahead of you. A pep-talk from a close pal can definitely help you boost your confidence and overall reassurance.
3. Meditate
Breathe in, breathe out. Interviews create a sort of “fight or flight” response in ourselves, causing a surge of adrenaline. This causes the heart to beat faster and causes blood to rush from the brain to give energy to the muscles, which is the last thing you want during an interview. Meditation increases the adjusting behavior accordingly.
4. Blast your music
Put on your go-to playlist and just dance or headbang, whichever fits you. Music is a great tool that provides a brain workout that reduces 'anxiety and blood pressure,' even improving memory.
5. Try the S.T.O.P Method
This is a tip that is designed to defuse stress in the moment. Stop what you’re doing and press the pause button on your thoughts and actions. Take deep breaths to gather yourself. Observe what is going on with your body, mind, and emotions. Proceed with whatever you were doing, making a conscious and intentional choice to think about what you just learned.
6. Try thinking you are simply having a conversation
Sometimes we get butterflies just by hearing the word ‘interview.’ Reframing how you view interviews will help calm nerves and allow you to focus better. Remember that an interview is just a conversation about yourself, between you and the interviewer. All that is required is answering the questions and being honest.
7. Make a cheat sheet
If you are doing your interview over the phone, it won't hurt to have responses laid out in front of you. Don’t necessarily read from it during the actual interview, but refer back to it in case you forget a specific component to what you are saying. You can write down important points you would like to discuss and questions you have for the interviewer.
8. Eat a good breakfast or lunch
When you have an interview, it is beneficial to start the day off with a good meal. This can be comfort food or a healthy meal with antioxidants. You don't want your stomach growling when you’re trying to get a point across.
9. Watch a TED Talk for inspiration
Did you know there are TED Talks that discuss how to succeed in interviews? Sit back and embrace the comfort of motivational words from inspiring speakers.
10. Believe in yourself
You know you have what it takes or else you wouldn’t have thought to apply for the position. Self-doubt is what stops us from achieving success and causes us to worry about what will happen next. Instead, relax and remember that the interview will only be around 20-25 minutes long. Don’t torture yourself.