Reduce job interview anxiety with these interview tips
Even for the average person, an interview can bring on symptoms of anxiety ranging from rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and chest heaviness, to racing thoughts and non-stop worrying. Here are a few surefire tips to help you remain cool and collected, so you can make the best impression possible during your next job interview.
- Recognize that it is normal to have a certain level of nervous energy and take some time before entering the premises to decompress. Some experts recommend driving to the location where the interview will be held in advance to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Wearing tight items or outfits that you just don’t feel right about will only add to nervous tension. You might find yourself constantly pulling or adjusting clothing – who needs that?
- Don’t drink a lot of coffee beforehand. It might make you alert, but it could also make you jittery or shaky. Seems like a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how many nervous people overindulge in coffee before an interview.
- Eat something before the interview. I once had a candidate that had a full day of interviews and bombed by the end because he couldn’t think straight due to lack of sustenance. Avoid eating refined carbohydrates and opt instead for a small protein containing meal or snack.
- Be sure to bathe beforehand so you feel clean and fresh, but remember to avoid heavy cologne or perfume. Instead choose a deodorant that smells neutral. You will be glad you did, just in case the extra nervousness of the event causes you to sweat more than usual.
If it helps, you can even take some deep breaths or listen to a relaxation audio in your car before going into the meeting. Do whatever works best for you! Just remember, this is a meeting between two people! You are there to interview them as well. The decisions are two-way; you have as much a right to ask questions and determine if you want them, too. The calmer you are, the better the impression you will make on those who interview you, and the more likely you are to get the offer.