How to Conquer Your Interview Anxiety

Jul 12 / AIMRRA




Job interviews are a part of the job-seeking process. They give you an opportunity to discuss your qualifications, background and skills with an employer or talent recruiter. Most people feel nervous, experience high levels of stress, or anxiety as they prepare for or go on an interview. This is called pre-interview nerves. No worries, help is here! We are going to provide you with 4 techniques to reduce anxiety so you can be the best you during your interview.


What is Interview Anxiety?

Interview anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Most people usually display these feelings before or during an employment interview. It can also signify that you care about the interview and want to do well. Symptoms may be physical, such as increased heart rate, racing thoughts, or unwanted feelings about oneself . Interview anxiety can exist by itself or be related to generalized anxiety or social anxiety disorder.

4 Techniques to Reduce Interview Anxiety

No worries, help is here! We are going to provide you with 4 techniques to reduce anxiety so you can be the best you during your interview.

1. Gain Knowledge of the Company You are Interviewing With

  • Gain as much knowledge as you can about the company you are interviewing with. Find their mission and vision statements and write down what you like about them.
  • Prepare questions to ask your interviewer about the company to demonstrate you have a real interest in the company.

2. Mock Interviews / Practice Your Answers

  • Consider having a mock interview with a family member or friend. Practicing the interview process helps you feel more confident and know what to expect at the real interview.

3. Don’t Lie, Think Before Responding

  • Usually when a person is meeting an unknown person in an authoritative position, being judged by a stranger, and having to sell themselves can trigger nervousness and stress.
  • Think before responding to questions, take a breath and don’t lie, use a few seconds to organize your thoughts. You can give yourself a little time by saying, “That’s a great question” or “I want to think of a specific example for you.”

4. Increase Your Confidence By Knowing Your Worth

Increase your confidence by knowing your worth. Consider the value you could bring to an employer.

  • Try not to critique yourself as you prepare for the interview. If the hiring manager didn’t think you had positive qualities and experiences, you wouldn’t have been asked for an interview.
  • Hiring decisions are based on many different considerations. Regardless of the decision, be proud of yourself for going through the interview despite your anxiety.
  • Make a note of what you may improve upon in the future but avoid overthinking your performance.
  • Every interview is beneficial because it's an opportunity to improve your skills.