Handling Stress and Anxiety Before Interviews

An interview is usually one of the major sources of tension and stress for most people. To make an excellent impression in an interview requires a candidate to be sharp at his or her word. This, however might become highly stressful if one is not well prepared or given sufficient strategies on how to do this. As such, this article avails some practical tips about how to effectively handle Anxiety Before Interviews and stress in your next interview.

Interview anxiety

Interview anxiety could be the normal reaction against the pressure of performing a good performance in front of those who would hire you in the job. It will be the nervousness when your palms are sweaty and racing thoughts. You understand that such feelings are normally experienced and can be made better with proper management.

• Lots of candidates feel the way you do now.

• It must be a little unsettling to some degree.

Preparation Is Key

Preparation much for the interview will help to alleviate your anxiety. Start by knowing the company’s culture and history and role you are applying for, which will make you sound more confident.

• Research on its history, values, as well as recent news concerning the company.

• Rehearse common interview questions along with your responses.

Relaxation Techniques

It can be included in routine and will significantly decrease anxiety. There are deep-breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, which might help you get relaxed mentally and bodily before the interview.

• Practice deep breathing exercises to relax you.

• Guided meditation apps to be used for calmness before the interview.

Visualize Success

Visualization is a stepping stone to confidence. Imagine sitting in the interview, answering the question confidently, and making a good impression. Mental rehearsal could help reduce anxiety.

• Imagine yourself in a good state of mind, composed and calm.

• Visualize that you have interaction with the interviewers which was successful.

Dress for Success

Your appearance can be the contributor to the level of confidence that you carry. Select clothes that give you a feeling of being professional and also comfortable. Proper dressing to the interview can make one feel confident.

• Select what is related to the company’s culture.

• Wear clothes that are clean and also fit your body.

Reach Early

If you can come a bit early, it is good as you will get the chance to familiarize with the interview environment. That means there will be little pressure from being rushed to respond.

It will also give you time to make final revisions on what you have noted and mentally prepare to answer the questions set forth during the interview.

• Try to come at least 10-15 minutes prior to the interview as to not get stressed up for the last few minutes.

• Practice your deep breathing in this time

Positive Affirmations

You would change your attitude and will greatly reduce anxiety by using affirmations. Repeat to your self, “I can do it,” or “I can handle this situation.” It may boost you with confidence going into your interview.

• Write down any affirmations and read that out loud.

• Use when negative thoughts are creeping around your head.

Reduce caffeine intake

It will worsen your anxiety and nervousness when you have caffeine. Just before the interview day, you should minimize coffee and energy drinks intake in your body.

• You can also take herbal tea or even water.

• Count the intake of caffeine during the days up to the interview

Common Questions Prepared

Preparing for interview questions can make you better prepared and less anxious. Write down your answers and practice them out loud. Familiarity with your answers can boost your confidence during the interview.

• Start researching common interview questions that you might encounter in the industry.

• Prepare STAR responses for behavioral questions.

Do Mock Interviews

It makes you practice responses. Identify a friend or mentor you can have for mock interview performances. This would help reduce your anxiety during an actual interview.

• Seek feedback not limited to your responses but the body language you employ too, during the mock interviews;

• Use mock interviews as tools to get you prepared regarding the format.

Accept Imperfection OF Anxiety Before Interviews

Perfectionism can also be another reason for causing anxiety during an interview. Accept the fact that you are not perfect and do not know everything or will commit some mistakes while answering during the interview. Just do your best and do not be perfect.

• Accept that you are human, and sometimes you make mistakes.

• Let go of perfectionism and instead be authentic.

Prepare for what happens after the Interview

Planning ahead on the end of the interview can help control anxieties for what is to come. Whether it’s treating yourself to a favorite meal or an evening with friends, something to be looking forward to can ease tension.

• Schedule a relaxing activity for after the interview.

• Share your experience with someone you trust to decompress.

Conclusion OF Anxiety Before Interviews

Handle the pre-interview stress and anxiety to provide your best performance to any potential employers. You could reduce anxiety by preparing properly, practicing the relaxation technique, and concentration on some positive affirmations. Most people will still feel the nervous feeling at the point of interviews. Thus, the strategies applied at such a point can determine one’s behavior. Seize this moment to tell of your competencies in executing the functions and answer all your interview questions very calmly and confidently.

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FAQ’s OF Anxiety Before Interviews