Preparing for an interview by studying interview questions, researching the company or practicing storytelling doesn’t always mean you’re ready for an interview. If you can’t get yourself into the right frame of mind, you may be unable to put up a great performance. Here are 12 ways you can calm your interview nerves. 

1)  Go for a walk 

If the interview is in person, make sure you arrive early but don’t go in. Instead, go for a walk to ease off the pressure and clear your head. Similarly, take a stroll for five minutes around the block to calm your nerves and get yourself ready if it’s an online interview. Be sure you don’t go too far. You don’t want to be late or sweaty.

2)  Practice the S.T.O.P method 

If you’re getting overwhelmed by those healthy endorphins, try a mental trick to destress before the interview. The trick is called the S.T.O.P method, and it goes like this:
S- Stop what you’re doing that causes stress
T- Take a few breaths
O- Observe what you’re feeling and why
P- Proceed to slow down those feelings, so they don’t control you

3)  Prepare for the worst 

Most candidates usually have a fear about their performance during the interview, which includes doing things like stammering, shaking, and so on. Recognize how you react under pressure and prepare to handle it.

4)  Make an interview cheat sheet 

Don’t just prepare for the worst thing that could happen; also prepare by learning details about the interview such as the address of the organization, the interviewer’s name, top three things you’d like to get across, your questions, etc.

5)  Plan something afterwards 

The thought of a reward for performing well is a great way to be motivated and focused. What can you think of? A nice meal? A massage? Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that you can look forward to with delight.

6)  Talk to yourself 

You are your own best motivator, and there’s no better way to get yourself fired up than speaking to yourself. Tell yourself the things you need to hear and continually reinforce them till you go into the interview. Writing down affirmations and reading them to yourself is another way to get motivated.

7)  Call a friend 

Got a buddy that can encourage you in minutes? Consider calling that person and let them give you the pep talk you need before the big, stressful event. 

8)  Listen to music 

Music is an incredible way to destress and quieten the doubting thoughts in your head while also pumping you up with excitement and energy. If you’re not really a lover of music, consider a podcast or speech by someone you admire.

9)  Smile 

Smiling can make you look approachable and get people to be nice to you. Additionally, it can make you feel more confident even if you fake it. Since smiling is free, why not give it a try?

10)  Use stress as adrenaline 

Nervousness and adrenaline have similar functions since they produce stimulating effects as opposed to relaxation. So if you’re feeling stressed, you can reframe the energy into being excited. It makes it more bearable.

11)  It’s just a conversation 

An interview is just a conversation and not a critical situation like facing a Siberian tiger or jumping out of an airplane. In fact, it’s likely that the interviewer is nervous too since they’re also human. 

12)  Don’t let the pressure of an interview get to you as you can use the tips above to keep nervousness at bay and make a positive impression. Now go and kick some butt! 

Computer Coach offers internationally recognized IT, Project Management, and Business certification training that leads to job security, higher incomes, and promotion opportunities. Classes meet in instructor-led or live online training formats. Both full-time and part-time programs are available. If you are looking for computer training classes reach out to Computer Coach and let one of our Certified Career Coaches discuss which training programs or certifications can help you.

Bounce Back from a Layoff

Resilience in Your Job Search

Common Interview Mistakes

Computer Coach is a trusted and experienced technology training and career development center, providing comprehensive and customized training solutions to empower individuals and companies to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry. With a focus on both hard skills and soft skills development, our personalized approach sets us apart in the market, making us the preferred training partner for tech talent nationwide. www.ComputerCoach.com

5005 N. Hesperides Street
Tampa, Florida 33614

(813) 947-0552

Copyright © Your Company.  All Rights Reserved.