How to overcome interview nerves

job interviewJob interviews can be an incredibly daunting experience and unfortunately, nerves often get the better of us which can completely throw our performance and chances of securing that job. Although it’s perfectly normal to be a little bit nervous, below are some top tips to help keep calm and overcome nerves so you can focus on wowing your interviewer.

Prepare

The more you prepare, the more you’re going to know and the more confident you will feel. Furthermore, you’re less likely to get caught out with unexpected questions and will have plenty to ask when it comes to the end of the interview. Being well-prepared not only improves your confidence but it will also help to show the employer that you’re keen on the job.

Practice

Ask someone to help you practice your interview questions. Not only will this keep everything fresh in your memory but they might even be able to think of questions that you hadn’t thought of.

Plan your journey

Nothing can stress you out more before a job interview than being faced with transport problems and delays. Make sure you know exactly where you’re going and how you’re going to get there and ensure you leave plenty of time for your journey. If you’re going to an area you’re very unfamiliar with then it may be worth doing a trial-run so you’re better acquainted with the route on the day of your interview.

Use the right fuel

Sometimes when we’re nervous the last thing we feel like doing is eating but it’s important to fuel yourself right before an interview. Make sure you have a proper breakfast because this will aid your concentration and you won’t have to deal with the embarrassment of a grumbling stomach throughout your interview.

Think positively

It’s amazing how far a bit of positive thinking can go but it really can make a huge difference in interviews. Imagine yourself at the interview in complete control with a big smile on your face. It might sound a bit cheesy but it really does work and it will put you in the right frame of mind.

Be yourself

Regardless of how much preparation you do, at the end of the day employers just want to know what you’re like as a person and how you’ll fit in with the team. Try to relax and just be yourself because this counts for more than you think. A candidate may have the perfect skills and qualifications but if the employer doesn’t feel like their personality fits in with the culture of the company then they’re unlikely to offer them the job. A candidate who doesn’t have everything a company is looking for when it comes to experience but has a great personality is actually far more likely to get asked back for a second interview.

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