Top 10 Ways to Beat Interview Anxiety
Posted August 14, 2014 & filed under Interviewing, Job Search
Is your job interview approaching fast? Odds are you’re a mix of emotions, both good and bad. A bit of angst is okay, but it’s a problem when that interview anxiety ascends to dizzying heights. Job interviews depend on self-confidence. When that confidence is undermined, it jeopardizes the entire interview. So fortify against pre-interview anxiety with these simple tips:
1.) Think up an elevator pitch – There’s little chance you won’t be asked “tell me about yourself.” It’s a job interview staple. Improvising a response on the spot creates interview jitters for all but the most quick-witted Second City alumni. Crafting an elevator pitch in advance, being both brief and unique in less than two minutes, can help your personality shine.
2.) Brainstorm your interview answers – No one gets a script in advance, but the interview doesn’t need to be a stress-inducing enigma. Here is our list of the 15 most common interview questions. Conjure up some practice answers. They’ll help calm your nerves before interview anxiety can take hold.
3.) Come up with questions to ask – At the end of most interviews, you’ll be given the floor to ask your own questions. Do yourself a favor: always ask something. Sometimes, an idea for a question hits you during the midst of the interview, but when it doesn’t, it helps to have a safety net. Ask questions that you can’t learn anywhere else. If you can find it on their website, don’t ask it; you’ll appear lazy for not finding it yourself.
4.) Devise your own icebreaker – Interview introductions can cause their fair share of anxiety. An icebreaker can lighten the mood and create a quick connection. It can be humorous or a quick comment that incorporates your company research. The only caveats are that you keep your icebreaker positive (no traffic complaints) and from getting too casual (no inappropriate anecdotes).
5.) Write down the hiring manager’s name – In a stressful moment, new names can sometimes slip your mind. Instead of adding to your distress, there’s a quick trick to back up your memory. In advance, find out if the employer is okay with you bringing a notepad to scribble down thoughts and important tidbits. If you get approval, you’ll have a twofold memory tool for both your employer’s name and critical company information.
6.) Map out and test your drive – The minutes are ticking away and you’re still en route to your interview. Even if you make it, you’ll still be affected by feelings of anxiety. Construction and traffic congestion don’t have to leave you on edge. The solution? Map out your route in advance, test it out, and add 15 minutes to that time. Brushing off stress will never be easier.
7.) Pick your outfit the day before – A mad dash in the morning to grab the right interview outfit can be a huge stressor. There’s no time to match colors, iron out wrinkles, or treat stains. To lower interview anxiety, select your interview attire the day before. Pick it out long before you go to bed; that way, you can make last minute trips to your local dry cleaner.
8.) Sleep a full seven to eight hours – Here’s a startling stat: 40% of Americans get less than six hours of sleep a day. Those adults below the average (seven to eight hours per night) suffer from forgetfulness and a lack of focus. In an interview, that means fumbling for words and losing thoughts, both of which just fuel interview anxiety. So, turn in early for a few nights before your interview and give yourself plenty of time to drift into sleep.
9.) Exercise the morning of your interview – Feeling stressed? It’s probably not all psychological. High levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol fuel anxiety. Exercise provides an easy, natural fix. Run, bike, swim, or even take a walk for 30 minutes the morning of your interview to cut down on these negative chemical catalysts.
10.) Eat the right foods – You may not think it, but your meals can contribute to anxiety. Indigestion can sour your mood and audible stomach growls can make for awkward moments. Make your menu simple: go for lean protein (chicken, turkey, etc.), fatty fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), berries, and whole grain carbohydrates. What foods should you avoid? Any foods that make your blood sugar crash or give you digestive issues.
On a final note:
Ultimately, interview anxiety is only a problem if you let it be. If you’re properly prepared and have given your body what it needs to defeat stress, you’ll walk away from the interview with the confidence that you did you best.
by James Walsh
