It is not uncommon to feel anxious when you are facing a job interview. A lot rides on job interviews. You may get the job, salary, benefits, and perks. But you also may not be the chosen candidate (or the company may not choose anyone), which is likely to be disappointing. It is only natural to fear a potential negative event.
However, it is very possible to overcome your fear of job interviews. There are strategies and techniques to help you master an interview without feeling anxious. Anxiety can make people forget compelling anecdotes or be too nervous to make a good impression.
Here are four strategies to eliminate excessive fear in a job interview:
1. Prepare Before the Interview
The more prepared you are, the calmer you will feel. First, prepare answers to common interview questions, such as “tell me about your achievements.” Develop talking points about your most significant on-the-job accomplishments.
Second, interviewers will often ask if you have any questions. It is a good idea to have some, because it shows engagement with the company. Research the company by exploring their website. Questions could range from digital transformation plans to new product possibilities.
2. Focus on the Positive
Eliminate negative self-talk (e.g., “I will not get this job” or “I will forget everything”) Replace it with positive self-talk (“I am the best person for this job” or “this is a perfect opportunity for me”).
Think of all the times you succeeded at something you feared beforehand, from winning a baseball championship to getting your last job. It has happened before and it can happen again.
3. Foster Relaxation
The more relaxed you are, the likelier you are to do well. You will not stammer or become anxious during the interview. Instead, you will appear confident and poised.
So practice some relaxation techniques before the interview. First, do deep breathing. Breathe in counting 1-2-3 slowly. Then exhale out counting 1-2-3 slowly. This will relax your body.
Second, plan for the interview. Make sure your outfit is clean and ready to go. Plan your route to the interview site, and make a practice run a week beforehand. Aim to get to your interview fifteen minutes early, so you have time to sit and collect yourself.
4. Technique to Improve Your Confidence
One easy-to-use technique is visualization. Visualize yourself getting the job. What it will be like? What will you do when you hear you got the job? What will you tell your friends?
Visualization can change your outlook from “I may not get this job” to “here’s what I will do the first day.” The increased confidence will help you ace the interview.
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