Overcoming Interview Anxiety
Have you ever entered an interview room and felt as though your heart might explode out of your chest? Well, you are not the only one! Interviews are always so much fun, aren’t they?
I remember this was the last one I did some time ago — sweating palms, racing heart, and a block in the mind. It was as though my body was working against me considering this was an occasion that I needed to perform at my optimum.
By the time when the interviewer turned to me and wanted to ask questions… I felt my voice shaking.
I harbored excessive fear of answering wrong that I stumbled on the words. At that moment, it was embarrassing, but I can look back and appreciate that the interviewer was probably also empathetic, just like I would have been in her shoes.
Anyhow, do you know what? There are a few nifty tools available to help you get back on the driving seat and nail that interview.
Recognizing What Interview Anxiety Is
For starters, let us admit the physical sensations that accompany nervousness.
First of all, what is the reason behind the fear of interviews? –
It is often related to how one feels about being the subject of a judgment or evaluation.
Your body begins to react in an innate way that corresponds to fight or flight response, which generally makes one’s heart pound and hands shake. Comprehending this helps to reposition anxiety as something expected from the situation.
Here Are 4 Easy Ways To Reduce Nerves and Anxiety
1. The S.T.O.P. Technique
The S.T.O.P method is best applied before the start of an interview.
When you feel anxiety starting to build, just S.T.O.P for a moment:
Stop: Take a moment to pause.
Take a deep breath: In through the nose, out through the mouth.
Observe: Notice how you’re feeling in that moment. What physical sensations are present?
Proceed: Refocus your thoughts and continue with intention.
It’s amazing how just taking that moment to reset can calm your nerves and put you back in the driver’s seat.
2. Keep Your Hands Busy
When you are on the other side of the table from the interviewer, chances are, your fingers will start tapping, or your leg will begin to bounce — anything to get rid of the nervous energy that has been building up in you. Instead of expending energy in such restless behaviors, you can consider thumb twiddling or gripping a pen. This gives your hands something to do without drawing too much attention.
3. Reframe the Interview
Bear in mind that this is just a simple dialogue. The interviewer is not looking to throw you off balance or challenge you. They simply wish to know if you can be of any value to their organization.
Therefore, be free! Lean back, drop your shoulders, and interact with them as you would with a pal. That aura of confidence that you carry about will be on display and can help you handle even the hard questions you don’t know.
P.S as a recruiter, we evaluate candidates based on their ability to tackle challenging questions. Did you make an effort to answer my question, or did you simply give up?
4. The Importance of Preparation
Preparation is a powerful tool for mitigating interview anxiety and nerves. The higher your understanding of the company and the position for which you are interviewed and various possible answers or topics, the more limited the space for uncertainty.
Understanding the Company and Position:
- Reduces Uncertainty: Knowing the company’s culture, mission, and recent developments helps you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
- Builds Confidence: Understanding the role and its requirements can boost your self-belief.
Practicing Common Questions:
- Familiarizes You with the Format: Rehearsing answers to common interview questions can help you feel more comfortable with the interview structure.
- Boosts Confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to articulate your thoughts.
Preparing Questions to Ask:
- Shows Engagement: Having prepared questions demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
- Redirects Focus: Asking questions can shift your focus away from your nerves and onto the conversation.
Finding Out Everything You Can and Practicing:
- Reduces Fear of the Unknown: The more you know about the company and the interview process, the less intimidating it will seem.
- Creates a Sense of Control: Preparation can give you a sense of control over the situation, which can help alleviate anxiety.
In essence, preparation helps to replace uncertainty with familiarity, fear with confidence, and anxiety with control. By investing time in research, practice, and preparation, you can significantly reduce your interview nerves and increase your chances of success.
To conclude: Too Much Pressure Is Dangerous… But The Right Amount Is Healthy
Understand that it is okay to feel a little anxious; that simply means you are ready to put your best foot forward. In a situation like this, they will help you avoid the sodden feeling in your stomach and help you perform well in the interview. You know you will do it!
Thanks for reading! Good luck in that next interview.