Don't melt under the pressure.
Q: I get so nervous before an interview. How can I overcome my interview anxiety?
"I tend to melt under pressure and it makes interviewing really hard. How can I overcome these pre-interview jitters?" — Frosty the Snowman
Hi Frosty! Below are some tips to help you banish interview anxiety and keep your cool during your next job interview.
Interview preparation is half the battle
Give yourself enough time to prepare for your interview. The better prepared you are for your job interview, the less likely you are to freeze up when you're asked a question.
Research the company and the current market rate for the position you're interviewing for so you're prepared when they ask you for your salary requirements.
Think about the interview questions that make you nervous to answer and brainstorm the top three points you want to get across when you respond to such a question. Don't memorize a paragraph to recite during the job interview — you don't want your interview response to sound rehearsed. Instead, practice delivering variations of your interview answer based on the top three talking points you bulleted out.
Click on the following link to access my complete interview preparation checklist.
Do a dress rehearsal
For virtual interviews, familiarize yourself with the technology you'll be using for the meeting. Download the necessary software or app to ensure that everything is working properly and is up-to-date. Then, perform a test run with a friend to make certain your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough and that your phone or laptop is at the proper height and angle — no one wants to stare up your nose or down on your forehead during a video call.
Books, empty boxes, and plastic storage containers can help you achieve the right set-up when your desk alone isn't enough. This will also give you an opportunity to practice the right body language to help you build rapport with your interviewer.
If you're going to an in-person interview, commute to the location a week beforehand at the same time of day you are scheduled for your interview so you can budget your travel time appropriately. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early on the day of your actual interview, kill some extra time at a nearby coffee shop. This will give you a chance to collect your thoughts before entering the building.
Get rid of nervous energy
Figure out the best way for you to release some of that pre-interview nervous energy and work it into your routine before your scheduled job interview.
Whether it's a morning run, a little meditation, or journaling, find what works for you and do it.
Opt for a half-caf
Cut your caffeine intake by half that morning, and eat a banana or some almonds. These natural beta-blockers will help you remain calm.
Article brought to you by TopResume.
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