3 Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before a Job Interview

By Kaitlin Hurtado on November 19, 2017

Regardless of whether it is for a part-time or a full-time position, any job interview can send an applicant into pre-interview jitters. They can stem from you thinking you aren’t qualified enough or if the interview is going to be something that you haven’t experienced before (a group interview, a phone call, etc.). There are many different reasons for getting nervous before a job interview.

Likewise, there are plenty of ways to calm your nerves before a job interview. Here are a few methods that you can try for your next job interview.

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Remember that you have this interview for a reason 

If your nerves stem from you not being qualified enough, assure yourself of your worth and capabilities. You’ve gotten as far as to get an interview, meaning, there was something about you and your application/resume that was enough to catch your employer’s eye to call you in for an interview. You don’t quite have the job secured, but the employer already sees potential in you to secure it.

Take another look at your resume while you reflect on what would make you perfect for the position. Are you experienced in the field that you are applying for? Are you capable of handling the tasks that are associated with the position?

Even if this position is your first step into the field, you still are able to have the potential to fill the position. Employers aren’t always looking for the most seasoned applicant — they look at a variety of things before coming to their final decision. Your personality, skills collected from prior experiences, and your commitment to the position all factor into how you are perceived as an applicant. Your ability to learn and adapt to change is even more important, as an employer will want you to be able to grow as the company does.

Do your research 

When it comes to an interview, being prepared can make a major difference in how nervous you will feel. You can do plenty of different types of research to prepare yourself.

If you haven’t experienced the type of job interview you’re going to do for your upcoming one, research different strategies to feel more prepared. If it is going to be a group interview, research how to make yourself stand out. A common (and obvious) strategy for a group interview is to be engaged and proactive in the interview. Doing so will keep the interviewer’s attention on you and help you from falling out of the conversation of the group interview, which is fairly easy if you spend the entire interview listening to other applicant’s answer and waiting for the “perfect chance” to answer.

As Skype and phone interviews aren’t uncommon anymore, research different tips on how to handle a Skype interview. Make sure that all of your software for your computer and webcam is up to date in order to prevent any technical difficulties during your interview. Prepare not only yourself for the interview but also your space by tidying up the space that the webcam would show and limiting background noise by letting any possible roommates know that you are going to need a quiet setting until the end of your interview.

Call someone from your support system 

You may think that your job interview will seem insignificant to others even if you are personally fretting over it, but don’t hesitate to reach out to someone from your personal support system. My go-to person to call whenever I’m nervous about something I perceive as “big” is my mom. Even if it may seem silly to others, I know that my mom is always willing to listen to whatever has me worried and is able to give me advice on whatever is troubling me.

When you call someone, it may just be you want to spill all your worries, but they can also help you with your nerves in other ways. They can help you practice for the interview by giving you questions and giving you pointers on your answers. They can also offer tips from their own experiences with job interviews to improve your experience.

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