Top Ways To Reduce Your Interview Anxiety
Though landing an interview for a new job is very exciting, it can also be daunting. Even if you’re not typically anxious, it’s natural to feel uneasy about your upcoming interview. Luckily, there are strategies you can use to stay calm when the day comes. Keep reading to learn the top ways to reduce your interview anxiety.
Understand Why You’re Anxious
Understanding the cause of your anxiety may help you figure out how to alleviate some of your worries. For some, interview anxiety comes from worrying about wearing or saying the wrong thing. For others, it might be nerves caused by the job search as a whole.
Once you understand why you’re feeling anxious, you may find it helpful to speak to a friend or family member about your concerns. Feeling nervous about an interview is a nearly universal experience, so they likely have tips or success stories to share with you!
Limit Caffeine
While you may be in the habit of drinking coffee to wake up, skipping your morning cup of joe on interview day might make a difference in reducing your anxiety. Instead, focus on getting enough sleep the night before your interview and have something light to eat to ensure you have the energy you need. Once you finish the interview, treat yourself to a coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverage.
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Prepare for the Interview
When we’re anxious, we often feel like everything is out of our control. Though you can’t control everything that happens during your interview, you can prepare to answer questions the best you can. In the days leading up to the interview, research the organization, create sample interview questions, and practice your responses with a friend or on your own. You’ll be amazed at how much more confident you’ll feel.
Try Breathing Techniques
Anxiety isn’t just in our thoughts—it has a physical effect on our bodies. When you’re anxious, your breathing becomes shallow, and your heart rate might increase. Lowering your shoulders, taking deep breaths, and trying breathing exercises can help your body relax. Before you step into your interview room or hop on the call for your virtual interview, take a few seconds to breathe and center yourself one last time.
Pre-interview nerves may be normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them control you. Once you understand the top ways to reduce your interview anxiety, interviewing will become easier and easier. In the meantime, remember to be kind to yourself. You’ll land a new job before you know it!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
