Job interviews are pretty unnerving and they can trigger a plethora of reactions, which are both unconscious and revealing.
Perhaps you get sweaty hands? A dry throat? The shakes?
Or perhaps your mind starts racing and you jump into answers without properly thinking?
We’ve all been there.
Interview nerves will rob you of your ability to wow interviewers – even if you are perfect for the job.
That’s why it’s so important to learn how to calm your nerves, maintain great body language and come across composed during interviews.
Here are 7 smart tips to help you to do just that.
1. Go to job interviews completely prepared.
You need to do ample research about the organisation you’re applying to, while learning everything about their products, structure and even about their competitors.
You can also learn a little bit about the interviewer from their LinkedIn profiles. This could give you an idea of the kinds of things they might ask you and be looking for during the interview. (For example, skills, personality, ambition).
You must never forget that knowledge is the ultimate source of power and if you get to learn everything about the company and interviewer, you’ll be better positioned to respond to all types of questions.
When you’re better prepared, you can stay calm and composed because you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Click here to check out the eight things you should be researching before any job interview.
2. Practice makes perfect.
As the old saying goes “Practice makes you perfect.”
Knowing exactly what answers you are going to give to the standard interview questions will make you feel more comfortable and confident, as will practicing some of the more difficult ones.
You can practice in front of the mirror so that you’re able to watch your facial expressions or bodily gestures while replying to the questions and make all necessary corrections before the actual interview.
Or ask a loved one! (Who’ll give you good, honest feedback).
3. Negate the fear of unknown.
Before appearing for an interview, candidates often stress about the little things, like what to wear.
If you aren’t sure about something (incl. interview location, the interview format, what to wear etc.) then just give the HR department, or your contact within the company and ask them!
We tend to make a big issue of the smaller things, which are easily resolved by a quick phone call.
4. Arrive ahead of time.
You should always try to arrive early at the interview venue.
This will allow you ample time to relax, gather your thoughts, and focus. Don’t try and cram in any last minute preparation (this could just panic you).
Just take a deep breath and a few moments to chill out.
5. Think positively.
You must maintain a positive frame of mind before, during and after the interview.
Try to forget about the fact that’s it’s an interview. Try and have fun! (Easier said than done, I know).
A good trick is to SMILE. It might feel unnatural at first, but it will naturally boost your body language and make you more positive and upbeat in the long run.
6. Remember, the interviewer is human.
The interviewer is just another human being, who just happens to be tasked with asking you questions.
He/she is not your enemy trying to judge your every move and they’re not rejection machines hired by organisations to find faults with you.
They are professionals who are trying to find out whether the job is right for you!
7. Stop fidgeting.
This actually does two things; firstly, it normalizes the blood flow within the body thereby calming the interview nerves and secondly, makes you appear more confident.
Recruiter Pro Tip.
Here’s how to make your body language ooze confidence…
- Stand up straight, head held high, with your chin level and your face pointing forward.
- Keep good eye contact – don’t stare at the floor!
- Don’t make any sudden movements…
- Give a good, firm handshake.
- Sit up straight (no slouching) and be still (no fidgeting).
Now, there are certain things that you won’t be able to stop like those irritating shakes and tremors, but that’s OK, most people won’t notice if you’re body language is strong.
Summary
So, there you go. Some top tips on how to ease those interview nerves.
- Always be prepared.
- Practice makes perfect.
- If in doubt, ask.
- Be early.
- Think positively.
- Remember, your interviewer is human too!
- Stop fidgeting.
Hope you found these helpful.
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