How to calm your job interview anxiety

Job interviews can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are overwhelmed and stressed out about an upcoming interview, don’t worry. We’re here to help! Below is a list of things you can do to help calm your job interview anxiety and have a great meeting.

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1. Be prepared

Preparation is the key to success. If you are prepared for your interview, you’ll undoubtedly stand out above the rest. It will also reduce your stress levels, as you’ll feel ready to take on the challenge.

How to prepare for your job interview:

1. Decide what you’re going to wear well ahead of time. Make sure your clothing is suitable for an interview, that it fits, has no dirty marks on it, and that it’s comfortable.
2. Research the company and the position you’ve applied as much as possible. This can include industry-specific research, research about the company’s culture and achievements or their products or services. Carefully read through the job advertisement, visit their website and social media pages, and read industry or job-specific articles.
3. Prepare for possible questions the interviewer might ask:
   • “Tell me more about yourself.”
   • “Why do you want to work for our company?”
   • “Where do you see yourself in three years?”
   • “What is your greatest professional achievement?”
   • “Tell us about a specific challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work and how you’ve dealt with it.”
   • “Why are you leaving your current job?”
   • “What type of work environment do you prefer?”
   • “Describe how you want your manager to be.”
   • “How do you deal with stressful situations?”
   • “If you have a long list of things to do, how will you make sure that everything gets done within the deadline?”
   • “What do you like to do outside of work?”
     
     Remember, each industry is different and interview questions might differ from one industry to the next, so you’ll need to prepare for questions relevant to your industry and job title.
4. Plan your route or visit the building the day before, if possible. Plan your trip with enough time for you to be 15 to 25 minutes early unless otherwise specified by the employer or recruiter.
5. Make a list of questions you want to ask during the interview.
6. Remember to take a notebook and pen with you.
7. Identify your strengths and use them to encourage and uplift yourself before the interview.
8. Identify your weaknesses and know how you plan on improving them to show the interviewer you are willing to grow and better yourself.

2. Put things in perspective

As jobseekers we can get really stressed out about interviews, especially because we know that the job market is tough. However, you need to put things into perspective and understand that everything will work out the way it should. As cliché as it sounds, all you need to focus on is making a good impression at the job interview and know that the outcome is beyond your control thereafter.

3. Surround yourself with positivity

Speak to an uplifting friend or family member before your job interview or listen to some uplifting music.

4. Get your head in the game

Visualise success and think positive. You’ll need a quiet space to just take some time for yourself to prepare. Remember to breathe deeply during this quiet session.

5. Smile!

Always smile, it makes you feel more confident.

6. During the job interview you need to remember the following:

1. Listen carefully and don’t just respond for the sake of responding. Rather reply with the best answer you can at that moment. Take your time to think carefully about your response.
2. Slow down your speaking rate. Don’t ramble everything off because you’re nervous and want to get the interview over with.
3. Ask the questions you’ve prepared and take notes.

Remember, a job interview is not like bungee jumping. It’s just a nice conversation between you and one or two other people about your career. Stay positive, be confident, and take it one step at a time. Don’t overthink things and always be nice.

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