​It’s natural to feel a bit nervous and even anxious before an interview. These nerves simply show that you care about the role on offer.

Although these pre-interview nerves are normal, they can, unfortunately, take over to the point where they negatively impact your performance – and this is what you need to avoid.

Below are our tops tips on how you can beat those pre-interview nerves. 

Be prepared

The best way to stay calm is to be prepared in every way possible before your interview. Research the organisation. Know their products, their competitors, what they do, who their customers are. Look through the company’s website, their social media channels. Learn about the company’s mission and the challenges it faces in the industry.

You should also do your research into who will be interviewing you. Look at their LinkedIn profile and learn about their roles within the company.

Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more confident and relaxed you’ll be in responding to their questions.

Go for a walk

Sometimes all you need is a bit of fresh air! So, get out for a quick walk before your interview. Take in some fresh air and deep breaths to clear your head.

Know the way and arrive early

Find out exactly where your interview will be and plan your route well in advance, so you don’t have to worry about it on the day of your interview. 

If you’re unsure about the area it might even be a good idea to do a dry run prior to your interview so you know exactly where to go on the day. The last thing you want is to arrive at the area and not know where to go. So, to avoid this stress, be well prepared beforehand. 

Arrive early and allow yourself plenty of time to sit in your car or walk around outside to gather your thoughts and to take some deep breaths. 

Practice the S.T.O.P Method

To tackle any stressful situation, practice the S.T.O.P Method – 

• Stop what you’re doing. Press pause for a moment on your actions and thoughts.
• Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
• Observe what’s going on with your emotions, body, and mind, and why you’re feeling them.
• Proceed with what you were doing, making a conscious, intentional choice to incorporate what you observed in your actions.

This method helps you to be alert, focused and relaxed, while at your emotional best. It can be used anytime you need a burst of creativity, energy, or insight. It helps you to banish your own fears, doubts, and nerves, so you can determine the very best action to take in the moment. 

Think positively

It’s so important to think positively before your interview. Tell yourself you’re smart, you’re qualified for the role, you’re going to ace this interview! The language we all use to talk to ourselves has a very powerful effect on our beliefs and actions.

Remind yourself of all your skills, past accomplishments, your successes, your strengths, and the value you can bring to this role. Remind yourself why you are the best person for the job.

Walk into your interview feeling confident and positive. With this thought process, the hiring manager will overlook any nervousness you may have.

Remember it’s Just a Chat

Finally, remind yourself that this is just a nice conversation about your career. Think of it as a conversation between two or three people who are just trying to get to know one another.

Also, remember that this isn’t just going to be them interrogating you with questions – you also have questions you need answered, and they may be nervous about making a good impression as well.

And just remember – you got this!!

If you need any additional career advice or if you’re looking for your next career move, please feel free to contact Mason Alexander – we’re always here and happy to help with your job search!

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