How To Overcome Your Nerves, And Ace Your Next Interview

Interviews aren’t particularly enjoyable. Usually, the only reason we’re even sitting for one is because we either really, really want the job for its great opportunities and career development potential, or we really, really need the job to pay the rent. Or a combination of the two. Either way, there’s usually a lot riding on an interview, and with that comes stress. So here are a few tips to help you overcome that awful interview anxiety!

(Read on to the end to discover an easy way to make sure you’re prepared for your next interview!).

Look after yourself

You’ve got enough on your mind without stressing your body out as well! In the days leading up to an interview, be sure to get enough sleep and eat good food. You want to be at your best on the day of the interview, so ensuring you’re looking after yourself physically is an easy way to do so. (And really, interviews are pretty high-energy – you don’t want to be so sleep deprived that an interviewer thinks you’re not even interested!).

Research the company

The more you know about the company, the easier it is to better tailor your answers to the role. Most companies have a surprising about of information online – try checking out their website, any news articles that talk about the company, or even their LinkedIn details. Try to learn about what they value, what their goals are for the future, and the type of people they employ.

By finding out more about the company, you can figure out what type of questions they might ask, and what they value in a candidate beyond the selection criteria.

Practice

An easy way to overcome interview anxiety is to make sure you’re prepared. Familiarise yourself with the position description, research what the role you’re applying for would normally require, and reflect on your own skills. Once you’re done, get someone to sit down with you and ask you interview-style questions. There are a heap of resources out there, including this great list of interview practice questions, you can use to help you practice in a mock interview. In addition, writing your own questions based on the job description, the company, and the type of role you’re applying for can help you plan your answers to best highlight your strengths.

By having a clear strategy and knowing what skills or abilities you want to highlight, you can be a little less stressed on the day!

Stay positive

Remind yourself that there’s no real reason you can’t get the job. If you’ve gotten past the written application stage, then you’re already off to a great start! Before the interview, partake in some positive thinking and just focus on your strengths. Having a confident mindset can not only help you keep anxiety at bay, but also comes across in your answers. If you appear friendly and self-assured, interviewers won’t be distracted by your nervousness, and your answers are likely to be received more positively.

Focus on staying calm

Leading up to (and even during) an interview, focus on keeping calm and control your breathing. If you feel like you’re talking too quickly or getting off topic, just smile, take a breath, and continue at an easier pace. The interviewer has been where you are, and they understand that interviews can be really nerve-wracking. So rather than obsessing over what they’re thinking about, or trying to read into their body language, focus on what you’re being asked and how you want to respond.

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If you want the chance to hone your interview skills, have a mock interview with (actual) employers, and receive some spot-on feedback, sign up for Accomplish Intensive now! Running this December, Accomplish Intensive is a 3-day program designed to get UTS students prepared to take on the workforce at their fullest potential. Seriously, don’t leave it to the last minute – get the advice you need to take on any interview in your future, and stress less!

Featured image courtesy of Pexels.