Interviewing for a position is always a bit anxiety-inducing. Those feelings are completely normal, even if you’ve been on dozens of interviews before.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work to calm your nerves. If they get the better of you, you might not make the best impression. In some cases, that could cost you the job.
Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety before meeting with a hiring manager. If you’re getting ready to interview for contract jobs or permanent positions, here are some tips that can help you remain calm.
Practice Your Interview Answers
One of the best things you can do to calm your interview nerves is practicing your answers to common interview questions. It helps you get comfortable with what you’re going to share and reduces your chances of drawing a blank during the meeting.
Plus, you’ll have a chance to refine what you’re going to say. You can see if different phrasing approaches give a better impression than others. That way, you can choose the ideal response for the situation.
Prepare the Night Before
Handling some of your interview day tasks the night before can take a massive weight off of your shoulders. For example, print out your resume and put copies in your bag, ensuring you aren’t scrambling to do that on your way out of the door. Choose your interview outfit and make sure it’s in good shape, eliminating a decision from your morning.
You also want to map out your route to the interview ahead of time so that you’re familiar with where you’re headed. Also, check common traffic patterns. That allows you to see if issues on that path are common, giving you an opportunity to plan accordingly.
Make Time for Sleep
Sleep is critical if you want to remain calm and focused during your interview. Make sure you give yourself enough time for some quality rest. That way, you’ll wake up alert and refreshed, increasing the odds that you’ll feel confident about the meeting you’re about to attend.
Try Some Deep Breathing
Once you arrive at the interview location, spend a few moments doing so deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can calm interview nerves by helping you relax and recenter, making it ideal for the situation. Plus, it’s an activity that you can do nearly anywhere.
If you drive to the interview, do your deep breathing exercises in your vehicle. If you used public transit or walked, head to a restroom if you prefer a private space. In most cases, you’ll be done in just a few minutes, allowing you to head into the meeting more relaxed.
Ultimately, whether you’re looking for contract jobs or other kinds of positions, all of the tips above can help you calm your nerves before your next interview. If you would like to find out more about how you can set yourself up for job search success, the team at Alpha Consulting wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
