1. Reduce External Pressures
The mere thought of facing an interview can take most to the brink. Therefore, having a calm mind unbothered by other pressures can be extremely useful. It is best that you address things such as what clothes you are going to wear or how you are going to reach the place of the interview much before the actual date of your interview. These may be simple things, but they sure will in keeping your mind at ease.
2. Prepare for Success
When you are organised you are in control! It is the foundation of a successful interview for which you will feel poised and confident. Preparing a pre-interview schedule and detailing it with your time commitments will prepare you for success. You must practise some common interview questions and mock interviews. It helps in strengthening your overall performance and prepares you to be able to tackle unanticipated questions from the interviewer.
Doing your research about the company before you go for an interview helps you to understand the employer’s or interviewer’s expectations and craft sensible and productive answers to their questions. Generally, you must learn about the history, important milestones, mission and vision, work culture/ethics, hiring process, etc., of the company. You must go through the job descriptions thoroughly to ensure you have a clear understanding of their expectations.
3. Release your Negative Energy
It is ok to be scared but remember, a great reward awaits if you conquer this fear. Do not let your emotions overpower you! Divert your mind by indulging in activities that give you pleasure. Go for a swim, trekking or hiking, meet your best friend, bake a cake, or do whatever you really enjoy.
4. Breath In and Out
Our breathing tends to get shallow and irregular when we are nervous. Practising deep breathing allows more airflow in your body and helps in reducing anxiety and stress. So, if you feel nervous when you are in the middle of an interview, stop, take a deep breath and then resume.
5. Look at the Positive Side
You may have yearned to work in this envisioned role or this company, but having a broader perspective will only expand your way to a successful career. Failure shouldn’t discourage you; instead, make them your stepping stones to progress in your career. There is a right job out there waiting for each one; you just need to get to it. Anxiety is normal before an interview. But you can control your pre-interview stresses and channel them into something positive.
