You’ve got a big job interview coming up. This could be it! Your one shot at the perfect job. Then the nerves kick in.
Unfortunately, that pre-interview anxiety can really sabotage your performance on the big day. A bad case of nerves can lead to serious interview mistakes including blanking out, blurting, babbling, sweating, and fidgeting. Employers are aware that some candidates are more nervous than others at interview and make allowances for that. But how can you beat those interview nerves? Check out our top 10 tips!
Be Prepared
Role play your interview! Grab a friend or a family member and have them play the part of the interviewer. If you’re interviewing with a company and you already have a friend that works there, even better! Ask them to run you through what they went through. Then ask them if they have any advice for you and what you can do to make yourself really shine and don't forget to research the company!
Do a dummy run
Take the hassle of not quite knowing where the company is, or if you can park by popping over beforehand. That way you can plan your journey, identify traffic hot spots and know if you’ll need any loose change for parking.
Exercise before the interview
Another great way to relax is through exercise. Not only does doing exercise give you a mental edge that will help you stay on top of all of the details needed for your interview, but it also releases endorphins in your system that will naturally help calm you down.
Arrive early
Always arrive early! Being late will add un-necessary stress and pressure on top of your interview nerves. 5-10 minutes early is great, any earlier can place unnecessary pressure on your interviewer
Briefly review your notes
You should be doing research, preparing, and rehearsing. But if you made any notes for yourself, this is a good time to briefly look them over to refresh on any points that you really want to get across.
Be open about nervousness
At the beginning or during the interview or if you start to stumble on a question, it’s ok to say something like, “I apologise, I’m extremely nervous. This is my first interview” or “It’s been quite some time that I’ve been in this position.” This will only make you appear more human and the interviewer may just be able to relate to you more. Who knows, the interviewer may even be just be as nervous as you are!
Find some common ground & be yourself
Finding common ground with the interviewer will put you at ease and take your mind off the pressure of the interview. Whether it be a shared interest, hobby, holiday destination or previous workplace it gives you something to discuss outside of the ‘formal’ interview. But how can you find that out? LinkedIn is a great place to start. Previous education, employment and interests are all on there. Outside of that other ways are if you know anyone that works there – they can give you an insight on the person. Or, in the conversation itself things may naturally get spoken about which will give you an opportunity to discuss yourself from more of a personal level.
Accentuate the Positive
Once you have prepared, tell yourself you are ready. Listen to upbeat music, songs that energise you and make you feel good about yourself and the world in general! In the interview itself focus on your positives, what are your ‘best bits’ and why do you stand out? If you plan this beforehand its easier than having to think on the spot.
Watch your pace, posture and tone of voice
Nerves tend to make us speed up. Be aware of that and take time to breathe and watch your pace. Take the time you need to answer the questions honestly and fully. If you have a mental blank there’s nothing wrong with asking to come back to that question to buy yourself more time.
For advice and support in your job search call one of our talented team of recruiters on
0114 3211873 or email your CV to hello@glurecruit.co.uk
