Even the most experienced of people can experience job interview nerves.
Who wouldn’t? This is your one chance to go out and really impress the interviewer and hopefully secure the job you’ve been wanting; it’s bound to cause at least a little anxiety.
Below are our top 5 tips on how to overcome job interview nerves before they even arise.
1. Remember that the hardest part is out of the way
Take a moment to step back and think about where you already are. The hiring manager clearly likes the look of you based upon your CV and already thinks that you could potentially have what it takes to fill the role. Just view the interview as an extension of this and a further chance for you to impress. Use the opportunity to build upon your existing points and mention all the things that you wanted to say but might not have been able to fit on your CV. There’s bound to be a lot.
2. Do your research
The best way to feel confident about a job interview is to be prepared. In some ways, job interview nerves can be compared to those before taking a test. However, you wouldn’t dream of walking into an exam having done no revision. By doing a wide amount of research prior to the interview you can not only help yourself feel prepared for any questions to come, but also impress the employer with your enthusiasm and knowledge for the role and company.
3. Relieve any aspects of doubt
Rather than spending the morning of the interview fretting over little details such as the company location, timings, or missing information, contact the HR team or person you’re being interviewed by beforehand to get any queries answered. This will help clear any unnecessary doubt from your mind and prevent any unexpected problems on the day.
4. Take 5
Arrive to your interview 10 minutes early and take a few minutes to just sit and compose yourself. Don’t go crazy trying to work out what questions you will be asked or think about ideas for new things to say, if (as noted in point 2) you have done enough research, you will be more than prepared.
5. Know that you’re not alone
Lastly, remember that you’re not alone! It’s easy feel like you are the only one in this situation but nerves are a natural reaction and most, if not all, of the interviewees are likely to be feeling the same. Even the interviewers would have been in the same situation as you at some point!
Grab a glass of water, take a deep breath and ace the interview.
Good Luck!
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