7 tips to reduce job interview anxiety

Are you searching for a job but dealing with interview anxiety? If so, it can pose a real challenge for you to overcome. Meeting individuals who are in a position of authority, talking about yourself, being judged and evaluated based on your demeanour and appearance are all potential triggers for social anxiety.

While you may get nervous during a job interview, there are steps you can take to help quell these feelings.

Treat yourself well

It’s best to avoid caffeine and get plenty of sleep the night before the interview. It’s also essential that you exercise often. Ensuring that you stay in good health is essential when you face a possibly stressful situation, such as a job interview.

Visualise your success

Find a quiet location where you will not be interrupted. There, take time to close your eyes and visualise yourself being in a successful interview. When you visualise your success, it’s more than just thinking positively. When you do this properly, it will prepare your brain to act in a specific way. Many elite athletes use this before competitions to help improve their performance.

Reduce your stress

It’s important to reduce stressors that are not related to your performance during the interview. This includes things like showing up late, getting lost, or uncomfortable clothing.

If you have a remote interview, be sure your internet phone service is working properly long before the interview time. Be sure to choose your outfit (a comfortable one) that also looks professional. If you don’t know where the interview is located, be sure you have plenty of time to get there.

Do research ahead of time

Being properly prepared is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety related to an interview. Take time to research your potential employer and prepare your answers for the most common interview questions. Each step to prepare that you take will help to increase your comfort and help you feel more capable and confident during the interview.

Don’t succumb to the pressure

In some situations, you will be interviewed by a person who will seem to “grill” you to see if you can handle the stress and pressure. If you are dealing with social anxiety, it may be tempting to fall into negative thinking. You need to make sure that this doesn’t happen.

By understanding what the interviewer is working to accomplish, you can stay calm and handle the entire situation properly. It’s also important to understand that the other candidates have been treated in the same manner and that it is not a reflection of your person or your ability to do the job.

Ask questions

Remember, the interview is the perfect opportunity to get to know your potential employer. You are deciding if you want to work for them, just like they decide if you should work for them. Try to put yourself in this mindset and figure out if it will change your focus. Be sure to ask plenty of questions related to the business and how it fits with your ambitions and goals for your career.

Release your anxious energy

If you are anxious, your anxiety may begin to leak out even if you believe you have it hidden well. If you discover that you are fidgeting, take time to do something that will help you release the anxious energy that will not be as noticeable. One option is to wiggle your toes.

Ace your interview and avoid anxiety with these tips

When it comes time for your job interview, it is good to use the tips and information highlighted above. Doing so will help ensure that you have the best chance possible of acing the interview and enjoying the benefits that go along with minimal anxiety. Being informed is the best way to ensure that you do your best in the interview.   

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