Tips For Overcoming Fear And Tension During An Interview

Interviews can be challenging, and sometimes before and during an interview you may find yourself overwhelmed with fear and anxiety which in turn limits you from giving the interview your best shot. In certain cases it’s not as though you haven’t prepared for the interview but you just can’t shake off that anxious feeling and fear of the unknown. Despite the number of times you have attended interviews, you still get nervous when you are about to attend the next. Mind you, being anxious is not necessarily bad rather it means you want to perform well during the interview, but you must be careful to put a check on it if not it might just cost you that job.

So what are the ways we can overcome interview fear and tension?

PREPARATION

Preparation is the key ingredient that determines your success during an interview. In order to prevent anxiety, motivate yourself to research the company and potential interview questions and answers. The more prepared you are for the interview, the calmer you will be during the interview. Preparation goes beyond research about the company, but also involves preparing your outfit, documents and any other essential items you will need during the interview. Preparation also involves practicing your answer in front of a mirror in order to build your confidence.

PICTURE SUCCESS FOR YOURSELF

Since fear and anxiety are mind based, it will be helpful to you if you can project a positive picture of acing the interview to your subconscious. After preparation, fill your mind and thoughts with pictures of you performing excellently during the interview, as this will help you to build up your confidence and drive out every fear of failure. Negative thinking can affect your output, so ensure you fill your mind with thoughts of getting the job.

BREATHE

Taking a deep breath a couple of times before going into the interview room will go a long way in calming your nerves. Breathing deep enables you to overcome the feeling of anxiety and relaxes your nerves and mind. Inhale through your nostrils, hold for a couple of seconds and exhale through your mouth in order to achieve calmness.

ARRIVE ON TIME

It’s advisable to arrive at your interview venue 30 – 45 minutes before the scheduled time, in order for you to have time to collect your thoughts and prepare your mind for the interview. Arriving late is a bad idea, because you will be in a rush and unsettled which can trigger nervousness; and this can jeopardize your chances of landing the job.

WEAR A SMILE

Smile and make eye contact during the interview, in order to reiterate your confidence to the interviewer. Wearing a smile reduces tension and communicates to the interviewer that you are confident and comfortable. It won’t help if you laugh at the slightest thing during the interview; your smile must be warranted and should be an expression of courtesy.