5 Interview Tips to Reduce Anxiety

Interviews are a nerve wracking event that most people will experience multiple times throughout their lives. But if you have anxiety, the thought of an interview can fill you with so much dread that you might want to avoid it altogether. The problem is most jobs do require an interview stage, and during this time the interviewer needs to know that you are the most suitable person to join the team. It can be hard to show your full potential during a short amount of time when you are under so much pressure, but rest assured, the interviewer is well aware of this. Remember that they’ve been in your shoes and they understand it’s a nerve wracking experience. It’s also okay to admit that you’re anxious. If the interviewer is aware of this then they will usually try to put you at ease by telling you to take your time with the questions or offering you a glass of water. 

Here are some interview tips to reduce anxiety.

Do your research 

By now you probably know that doing your research on a company before you attend the interview is highly necessary. It can help you get a foot in the door, assuming that the other candidates know very little about the company. Even when you are anxious, it can make you feel a bit more confident if you know what you are talking about. If you have all of the facts and figures laid out in front of you, then already you look like a good person for the job. You need to show the interviewer that you are right for this position and if you’ve done your research well then this will really impress them. 

Practice answering questions

You can do this by yourself or you can get the help of a friend or family member. All you need to do is make a list of questions that you think the interviewer will ask you and answer them off the top of your head. You can usually get a good idea of what questions to expect by taking a look on Google and Glassdoor. Many people share their interview experiences so look out for those because they can point you in the right direction.

Appear confident 

One of the best ways to feel confident is to simply pretend to be more confident. Pay attention to the little details. For example, walking into the interview room with a straight back and your head held high and giving a firm handshake can make you appear very confident. You can also use this time to thank the interviewer for this opportunity. They will appreciate your politeness and that can really go a long way. You should choose your outfit carefully, because clothes have the ability to make us feel more confident. If you feel good about the way you look then it will often come across in your words and your mannerisms. 

Speak slowly to avoid getting flustered

It’s understandable that when you’re nervous you speak a lot faster because you’re in a rush to get your words out. But naturally, this is going to make it obvious that you’re not a confident speaker. Depending on the role, the interviewer might not consider you as an applicant if they think that you can’t perform well under pressure. The best thing you can do is leave pauses between questions and answers. It’s natural to think about your answer carefully before answering. You’re not a robot, after all. The interviewer won’t mind if you take your time answering. Chances are, your answers will be more polished and detailed if you take your time and speak slowly. 

Don’t expect perfection

The truth is not every interview is going to be perfect and not every interview will be successful either. You can reduce some of the anxiety you are feeling by recognising that you are not a failure if the interview doesn’t have your desired outcome. You turned up to the interview and you tried your best - that’s all you can ever expect of yourself.

Written by,

Coralle Skye