How to Control Nervousness In an Interview
The job interview is exciting but a source of nervousness at the same time. The pressure of the interview brings out both the best and the worst candidates depending on how they handle their emotions and pressure. Feeling nervous and pressured Is very natural.
Understanding the Pressure of an Interview
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand why interviews feel so stressful. It is because of the fear of judgment, and the desire to make a good impression. Recognizing the cause of your nervousness is very important to overcome. Remember, the goal isn’t to finish nervousness but to convert it into positive energy that fuels your performance.
Preparation Is Key
One of the most effective ways to reduce the interview pressure is to prepare yourself.
When you feel prepared, you are less likely to act. Below are some key steps I am mentioning; please read carefully.
| Question 01. | Research the company |
| Question 02. | Review the job description |
| Question 03. | Practice common questions |
| Question 04. | Plane your questions to ask |
01. Research the company
When we talk about research, it’s very important to understand a company’s mission, vision, and work culture. Familiarizing yourself with its recent achievements and projects will also help a lot.
02. Review the job description
I must say understanding the job description is an essential part of understanding the key responsibilities, required skill set, and employer’s needs.
05. Practice common questions
As I mentioned in my last article “How to prepare for a first job interview” practicing some most common questions that may be asked is really very important. I am mentioning some questions below. Please read carefully. It might help you.
| Question 01. | Tell Me About Yourself |
| Question 02. | Tell Me Why You Want to Work with Us. |
| Question 03. | Tell Me About your strengths and weaknesses. |
04. Plane your questions to ask
As I mentioned in my last article “How to prepare for a first job interview” an interview is not just only your opportunity to sell yourself but also a great opportunity to learn more about the company and by asking questions you show the employer that you are engaged and a very serious about the opportunity Below I am ancient some thoughtful question you can ask to interviewer.
| Question 01. | What are the qualities you’re looking for in a candidate? |
| Question 02. | Would you please describe the company culture |
| Question 03. | What does success look like in this position? |
| Question 04. | What is the team I would be working with? |
| Question 05. | What are the opportunities for professional development? |
Relaxation Technique :
Whenever the pressure of an interview feels overwhelming the relaxation technique will help you to calm your mind and your body.
So you just start taking deep breaths to reduce your heart rate and release all your tension. Now you just have to close your eyes and start imagining yourself succeeding in the interview. Picture yourself answering the question very confidently and building a good relationship with the interviewer. Positive visualization will always boost your belief.
Focus on Positive Thinking
Negative thoughts always fuel “Pressure and anxiety” so instead of thinking “What if I messed up in this Interview?” you reframe it to “I am very prepared and I’ll do my very best today”.
Remind yourself about your skills, qualifications, struggles, and achievements. Believing in yourself and in your values is what you bring to the table.
Plan Ahead to Minimize Stress
We can minimize the pressure of the interview by planning and organizing your day.
And we will do it in several steps
- Organizing documents
- Plan Your Outfit
- Be on time and be prepared
- Know the location
Organizing Documents :
Organizing all your documents is very important. Prepare copies of your cover letter, resume, letter of recommendation, and other necessary documents if the companies have been asked, and arrange all of them in a folder for your easy access.
Plan Your Outfit:
Outfits always play a significant role in presenting yourself. The outfit you choose should match the company’s dress code if there is any. If there is no such dress code mentioned it’s always safer to dress slightly more formally than casual
Be on time and be prepared :
Arriving early for your interview shows that you are responsible as well and respectful of the interviewer’s time always aim to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
Know the location :
Always plan your roots and consider if any potential delays are there if your interview is virtual please test your technology ahead of time.
Practice Mock Interviews:
Practicing mock interview questions will definitely help you to reduce the pressure. Basically what you have to do is ask any of your friends to mock the interview and provide you the feedback so you can better improve yourself and be confident in real time.
Benefits of Mock Interviews:
- You became familiar with the environment of the interview
- You became familiar with the format of interviews
- You became confident through practices
- You crack the body language
Taking Care of Your Body:
Physical well being had a significant impact on your Mental state. The pressure of the interview will feel more intense if you are tired and not getting proper sleep. You need to have 7 to 8 hours of proper sleep the night before the interview. So you feel fresh and fully equipped to handle stress and make sure you have a balanced meal to maintain the energy level required so please avoid heavy and greasy food.
Use Nervous Energy to Your Advantage:
A little bit of nervousness can be a good thing. Basically, it shows how much you care about this opportunity and it will keep you alert. Convert this energy into enthusiasm and use it for your personal benefit to make an unforgettable impact.
Reflect and learn :
Each interview is an opportunity for learning as well. After the interview take your time and recognize the area where you can improve yourself and represent yourself better.
Analyze Your Strengths :
After the interview, figure out what is well and what is not so you can make a better strategy for the next round/interview.
Some Tips for Success:
I have mentioned some tips below which may help you.
- Be ready for behavior-based questions.
- Show your enthusiasm
- Be ready for skill testing
- Research about the interview format
- Always be honest about the experience
- Always mind your body language
- Know the salary range/budget of the company
- Always practice active listening
- Stay calm
Some Tips for Success:
I have mentioned some job portals which may help you to find your very first job
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- Simply Hired
Conclusion:
Interview pressure is a common experience everyone in the corporate world at least faces it once in their entire career but one who makes strategy learns to control nervousness becomes successful in building a relationship with the interviewer and becomes successful in their perspective. Remember the interviewer is not like your typical viva which you have given in your high schools where giving the response to every question is compulsory but it is a discussion between 2 professionals of the same field in which the interviewer is looking for an ideal individual who is honest, smart and hardworking.
Write by: @mrmjaz
