If you’re feeling extra anxious before an interview, you’re in good company.
Literally everyone gets nervous before a job interview, and the more you have riding on the interview, the more anxious you’re likely to be.
Fortunately, since so many of us have found ourselves with a make or break interview request, we’ve got lots of advice to help you cope.
And while you’re probably not going to completely quell your anxiety, you should be able to find some peace.
Here are four ways to help conquer your anxiety prior to an interview.
Control what you can
Part of the reason why we get so nervous before an interview is that so much is left up to chance. But when you claim control over the things you can control, you can start feeling a bit better. You can rock this interview if you walk in feeling completely prepared.
This means mapping out your route well before you have to make the drive to your interview. And be sure to check traffic at the time you plan to drive there. It may take 10 minutes to get to your interview, but during rush hour, it could take double or triple that time.
Controlling what you can also involves prepping for your interview the night before. Lay out your clothes the night before, pack your briefcase and know your questions to ask your interviewer.
Write down your thoughts
Whenever you have a thought that sends anxiety rushing through your veins, write it down. Just write exactly what you’re thinking. In most cases, words have more power in our minds. When we speak or write our fears aloud, they lose power.
You might end up writing something like, what if I forget what to say? Or what if the interviewer doesn’t like me? Next, ask yourself if these fears are true. Oftentimes, these unhelpful thinking patterns get in the way and snowball until we’re thinking things that are completely false.
Eat and drink well the day before
What you eat and drink the day before and the morning of your interview can have an impact on your anxiety and preparedness. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals. Opt instead for light dishes like salads or simply keep your portions low.
Ultimately, you’ll want your foods to be nutrient-dense and light on calories and fats. Be sure to eat a protein-rich breakfast on the morning of your interview and hydrate well.
Practice calm breathing
Breath exercises are incredibly helpful for quelling anxiety, but it’s important that you don’t try to force your anxiety away. This is why it’s helpful to practice breathing before you’re in the height of your anxiety.
You’re going to want to slow your breathing and take very deliberate breaths in and out until you feel calmer. Practice deliberate calm breathing before your interview and it will help you calm your mind when it’s go-time.
Interviews are meant to carry some level of intensity and we all get anxious beforehand. Let yourself off the hook for your jitters and follow these four tips to conquer your anxiety prior to an interview.
