READ TIME – 6 MINUTES

Have you secured an interview, ready to progress your career?

Well done!

Exciting times are just around the corner! You’re ready to begin the next chapter in your life, and this big change will ignite your promising career. Despite your initial excitement, you start to feel nerves kicking in and become slightly on edge. 

If this is something your experiencing, let AvA-V explain how you can calm your interview nerves so that you can smash your interview!

What Are Interview Nerves? 

Interview nerves are a feeling you may experience before or during a job interview. We all get nervous during the interview process. Whether you’re a new candidate fresh out of education or you’ve been in work for decades, interview nerves are something that we often struggle to shake off. Did you know that 93% of candidates admit to feeling nervous about interviews during their careers?

Interview nerves can cause a range of symptoms including increased heart rate, heavy breathing and restlessness. We can experience these symptoms even days before our interview.

These symptoms are a perfectly normal human response as your body is preparing you for a challenge. This could be joining a new industry altogether or just taking a big step in your career. Being nervous during your interview is something your interviewers will expect. Here are a couple of examples that help to minimise the symptoms so that you can give your best. 

How To Calm Interview Nerves - Think Positively! 

Negative thinking is something everyone gets caught up with from time to time. Did you know science shows negative thinking can destroy your mental health leading to you feeling anxious and on edge? This is definitely something you could do without when it comes to securing your new job opportunities.

Positive thinking during an application process is something that can combat negativity and nerves. When focusing on positive thoughts, we reduce fear and worry and instead engage feelings of… Happiness and buzz. This will help you stay calm and composed during your interview.

Therefore while preparing for your interview, tell yourself that you are going to smash it instead of worrying that it’s getting close. Why not try blasting your favourite tunes or partaking in one of your hobbies to get you energised and ready to show your interviewers your true personality.

Once you’re in a positive mindset, you need to stay away from those pesky negative thoughts. Instead of thinking “I can’t believe I have an interview on a Saturday, my one day off!”. You need to adjust your mindset too “I have an interview to ace later, I can’t wait!”. After thinking like this you will be amongst the 85% of people that think positively and experience significantly less anxiety

Thinking positively allows you to deem challenges as opportunities for success. When you encounter stressful obstacles such as an interview and focus on remaining positive you can find the opportunity for growth and calm your interview nerves.

Thinking positively during an interview

Plan Ahead  

Sometimes when things don’t go as planned your anxiety levels might increase. This can lead to worsened symptoms and begin to make you feel stressed. Therefore preparation is the key to calming interview nerves.

Prior to your interview, you should research the company to show that you understand who they are and what they do. Demonstrate that you’re passionate about the work they do and have an interest in the role you’re applying for. In fact, 47% of recruiters would reject a candidate who didn’t have sufficient knowledge about the company.

Portraying a greater interest in the company and the role is something very valued by employers. Preparing a set of questions to ask your interviewer is a great way to do this.

Questions to ask : 

  • What is the most challenging aspect of the position?
  • Is there an opportunity for growth in this role?
  • What do you enjoy the most about working for this company?
  • What are the next steps in the interview process?
  • Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
  • What is your favourite part about working there?

Preparing answers for anticipated questions will boost your confidence during the interview as it shows you are prepared and gives a strong impression to the interviewer.

 Questions you could be asked :

  • Why should we hire you?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • Tell me about yourself/your previous work experience…
  • What are your salary expectations?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Planning for your interview should not be left to the last minute, as this won’t help your interview nerves. If you want to be at the top of your game for your interview make sure you have a good night’s sleep ahead of your interview date. When feeling sluggish and sleepy you can make yourself even more anxious about the upcoming event.

If you find yourself not looking forward to the interview, have an activity planned out to look forward to later. Then you have something to look forward to and power through your interview for. Whether it be going for a nice meal, or kicking back and relaxing with your favourite Netflix series. By doing this you have something amazing to focus on rather than overthinking and focusing on your jitters.

With sufficient preparation and positive self-talk, you can unlock your full potential and give yourself the best chance of securing your new job! Don’t let your nerves stop you from getting your dream role.

Preparing for a interview

How To Calm Interview Nerves - AvA-V Recap

1 – What Are Interview Nerves 

Interview nerves are a natural feeling you may experience in the upcoming days prior to an interview. Interview nerves have a wide range of symptoms as your body is preparing you for a challenge. These feelings and symptoms are something most people experience at least once in their careers.

2 – Thinking Positively 

One very effective solution to calming interview nerves is positive self talk. By thinking positively you can view challenges as opportunities for success. Engaging in activities you enjoy will take your mind off the upcoming interview and fill you with positivity.

3 – Planning 

Planning ahead is a key to calming interview nerves as it fills you with confidence therefore reducing anxiety. Not only will it reduce nerves but it will also give you a greater chance of success in the interview. There are many ways of planning for an interview such as a good night sleep… 

Interview nerves are a natural feeling you may experience in the upcoming days prior to an interview. Interview nerves have a wide range of symptoms as your body is preparing you for a challenge. These feelings and symptoms are something most people experience at least once in their careers.

One very effective solution to calming interview nerves is positive self talk. By thinking positively you can view challenges as opportunities for success. Engaging in activities you enjoy will take your mind off the upcoming interview and fill you with positivity.

Planning ahead is a key to calming interview nerves as it fills you with confidence therefore reducing anxiety. Not only will it reduce nerves but it will also give you a greater chance of success in the interview. There are many ways of planning for an interview such as a good night sleep…