7 Tips to Manage Anxiety Before Job Interviews
The thought of a job interview is always daunting, even if you are one of the most qualified candidates. It adds to the anxiety when you realize you have to face strangers who will evaluate your every word and action. But instead of sitting there sweating, you can arm yourself with all the necessary things and walk into the battlefield bravely since confidence is one of the deciding factors influencing a person’s employability.
Jitters before attending job interviews are quite common, and many feel that fear before they walk into the room to face the interviewers. The prospect of meeting strangers who are in a position of authority to decide your fate and concerns about being judged based on your appearance and demeanor can trigger nervousness in a candidate. But it would be best if you did not allow it to consume your self-esteem. If you are someone who gets anxious at the thought of someone staring at you, don’t worry, you are not alone. Here are a few pointers to help you calm your pre-interview anxiety:
Embracing self-care
Your mental well-being is as important as physical wellness. One of the most fruitful ways to calm yourself before an interview is to practice self-care, which will help you feel relaxed. It means ensuring you sleep well the night before the interview and avoiding caffeine.
Doing adequate research
Detailed research proves to be more beneficial than you think. Researching involves a study of the company, its values, goals, and even its work culture. If this is done correctly, then you will be able to answer all the questions easily and confidently while forming a connection with the company’s activities and culture.
Mock interviews
One of the easiest ways to ensure you hit the bull’s eye on D-day is to give mock interviews. One can do it with the help of friends or family by having them pose as the interviewers, armed with all the questions to ensure you get a taste of what will happen during the real one. Mock interviews will prepare you for the situation and possible questions and even help you handle the stress of the interview with ease.
Practicing deep breathing
This may seem like the most obvious thing to do, but it is one of the most effective ways to calm yourself down before the interview. Usually, when you are anxious, your breathing becomes shallow. If you take a few deep breaths, it will undoubtedly make you feel a lot better and more relaxed. This can be done in the waiting room or even in the car.
Optimism
When you feel anxious, you usually think about the worst scenario, which can increase your stress levels. Instead, you can close your eyes and try to visualize a scenario where everything goes well, and you land the job. This helps you feel more relaxed and optimistic.
Dressing impeccably
When you walk into an interview room, the interviewer will first notice your outfit. If not much effort is put into grooming yourself to look presentable during the interview, your chances of making it to the next round are slim. Besides, dressing well also gives you the confidence boost you need to ensure you give it your best.
Taking your time
As the interviewer asks questions, do not feel the need to answer them at that very instant. Instead, collect your thoughts and prepare yourself before you answer them. Remember, if you falter, the interviewer will take it as a sign of weakness and ill-preparedness. So pause, as it helps you not only calm yourself down but also ensures you do not end up making any mistakes.
Trying out one or all of the tips above will benefit you ahead of interviews. It is important to feel relaxed as your stress will point to a lack of confidence, which will negatively affect the process. So make sure you try these tips to calm your anxiety before your next interview.