Career Tips
6 Tips For Overcoming Pre-Interview Jitters
Nerves before an interview can derail your best intentions and even cost you the job. The following are six of the top ways to overcome pre-interview jitters so that you can give your very best performance.
Study and Prepare
This is by far the most important element of feeling confident in an interview. Research the company, your department and your potential job role extensively before the interview.
Rehearse
Do practice interview answers in front of a mirror, a video camera or with a friend. Ask for feedback on your communication style and adjust accordingly. Fine tune your responses and how you come across.
The Day Before
Do as much as you can before the day of your interview, including selecting your outfit and mapping out the route to the job interview location.
Proper Rest and Nutrition
Ensure that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep the night before the interview, and have a healthy meal a couple of hours before. Steer clear of stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine.
Visualize Your Ideal Outcome
Far from just new-age claptrap, visualization is used by top athletes and premiere performers in all fields. It can help you to succeed at your interview, too. Take a few moments the night before and on the way to the interview to visualize it going smoothly as well as an ideal positive outcome.
Breathe!
Nervousness correlates with physiology, and you can take control of that. Breathing deeply, slowly and mindfully sends your body the message that you are relaxed. Your feelings will begin to reflect your physiology.
Lastly, don’t forget to smile and be yourself! Smiling is another signal that you are at ease, and it will register both in your physiology and in positive ways with the interviewer. Lighten up, be yourself, and have a great interview!
