How To Eliminate Interview Anxiety

One of the most intimidating events you can face in this tough economy is a job interview. On one hand, a job interview is a wonderful thing; it represents a genuine opportunity to get back to work. On the other hand, a job interview can be terrifying for exactly that same reason. There is a lot of pressure that rests on that brief meeting. It has the power to make or break you. It can change your life for the better, but if you screw it up, you will be stuck right back where you are at square one, desperately trying to get an employer to notice you.

Being nervous unfortunately does not tend to lead to good results with most job candidates. How can you get rid of the anxiety which in itself can cost you a job?

Practice, practice, practice

One of the best things you can do to reduce anxiety is to prepare. When you spend time thinking about questions you might be asked and answers you might give, you are reducing your anxiety automatically. You can sit down with a friend or family member and have him or her ask you questions you expect and questions you don’t. Also try talking in front of a mirror to gain confidence in yourself.

Dress the part

Another great way to feel more confident is to know you look fantastic. When you look like a pro, you feel more like a pro. There is nothing worse than walking into an interview worrying that your hair isn’t right or your clothing doesn’t fit as well as it could. Go in looking like you belong in the job, and you are more likely to behave the same way.

Get plenty of sleep the night before

Don’t deprive yourself of rest because you’re up late making last-minute preparations for your interview. Go to bed a little early so that you get as much sleep as you need. In that sense, taking a job interview is like preparing for an exam. You get to a point where you’re as ready as you’re going to be, and from that point on, rest is probably what you need most.

Ask your interviewer questions

One way of dealing with your anxiety is to remind yourself you are not the only person under examination. You are also interviewing the interviewer about the job, the company, and the expectations. You need to be sure that the job fits your criteria. Recognizing that you are a person with your own standards can help you to feel a little more levelheaded.

It’s tough to put aside your anxiety, but by taking these steps, you can greatly reduce it.

Usually the first couple minutes of the interview are the most difficult. If you can build a rapport with your interviewer, both you and your interviewer will have an easier time relaxing and getting into a natural flow of conversation.

Once you establish that sense of natural ease, you have a much higher shot at actually getting a job, so it’s in your best interest to relax. Good luck!