Anxiety can make even the most talented candidate appear to be a trembling mess. It can make you stutter and forgetful. If you are an employee who is struggling with anxiety before interviews, take advantage of these 5 tips.
#1 Relax with deep breathing exercises.
The way your body breathes can affect everything from your heart rate to your mental state. Deep breathing not only helps you reduce stress but also helps you get into a more meditative state. It is great for helping you to feel calmer, de-stressed, and happier. It also reduces the likelihood of forgetting what you practiced before the interview.
To do deep breathing, you will first need to find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Put your one hand on your abdomen, and your other hand on your chest. Breathe in through your nose, pay attention to the swelling up of your abdomen, and hold it for 2 seconds. Next, breathe out through your mouth. As you exhale, you will notice your abdomen lowers. Repeat this process for 5 minutes, or until after you feel the stress and tension slip out of your mind and body.
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#2 Practice your interview skills with friends and family.
In an interview, the biggest mistake you can make is not preparing! Dedicate time to practice your speech before heading into your next interview. Ask your friends and family to help you prepare for a mock interview. Have them ask you questions about your resume and portfolio, as well as the typical interview questions.
Below are some of the most common interview questions you can add to your Q&A practice list:
“Tell me something about yourself that is not in your resume.”
“Describe your experiences related to the job you are applying for.”
“Why did you resign from your previous jobs?”
“What are your expectations of the job you are applying for?”
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
#3 Avoid distractions like texting, email, and social media before the interview!
The key is to focus on your interview. Your mental and emotional state might get affected by your surroundings. For example, hearing infuriating news from a live stream, seeing a disturbing comment on social media, and receiving multiple messages from your sister who is looking for her lost socks. You need to lessen the distractions by setting aside other activities that are not related to your interview.
Before entering the interview room, quickly go through your notes about the company and how you would likely answer the interview questions. Go back to tip #1, find a place to do breathing exercises. Invest in activities that feed your focus instead of entertaining distractions that lead you away from your goal.
#4 Read up on the company where you will be interviewing!
Research about the company and your interviewer. Most companies have a website that often includes the basic information about the enterprise (e.g. products and services, mission and vision, history, core values, and goals). Make sure to read the job description! These little details will come in handy during your Q&A. Showing that you’ve put effort into learning about your future employers gives you +1 in making a good impression.
Here’s a list of resources where you can research your employer:
#5 Have a positive attitude! You are awesome 😊
Your interviewer can see how you carry yourself. If you’re too passive, you might give an impression of shadiness and insecurity. If you’re too aggressive, you might give an impression of cockiness and arrogance. Instead, be assertive and adapt to the situation. You can only do this with humility and a clear mind. Stop thinking about what you are not, instead think about who you are and the gifts you have, but be careful to know the difference between confidence and pride, as well as humility and humiliation.
Overcoming your pre-interview anxiety will help you feel more confident, relaxed, and focused. It may not be a one-time deal for everyone. For some, it’s an ongoing and persistent process. You will learn how to manage and deal with it as you take the first step and then the next step after another one. Have courage, do not be afraid, and boldly land on your dream job!
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