Are you worried about your upcoming interview? Join the club. An overwhelming 93% of Americans have experienced anxiety related to job interviews, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The more you practice, the more prepared you’ll feel.
Keep reading for our top tips to shake off stress before your next meeting!
But before you scroll, sign up for our Halloween event (and share your job search horror story) for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
1. Fake it ’til you become it
It’s totally normal to be nervous before an interview… but just because you feel nervous doesn’t mean you’re stuck that way. In fact, social psychologist Amy Cuddy reveals in this TedTalk that “power posing” – AKA standing in a posture of confidence, even when we’re anxious – can boost feelings of confidence and help you “become” the best version of you.
Basically, you can trick your brain into believing in yourself, just by taking up as much space as possible. Cuddy suggests taking a few minutes before your interview to stand tall and spread out instead of scrolling on your phone or hunching over your computer. Remember, your brain reacts to your own body language too!
2. Change your mindset
When you’re feeling unsure of yourself before an interview, stop and reflect. Where is your anxiety coming from? Are you worried that you’re being judged and evaluated? If so, remember that interviews are a 2-way street.
You are also judging and evaluating the company to see if you want to work there. It’s not only on you to impress your interviewer – they should be trying to impress you, too. Think of it this way: the worst they can do is “go in a different direction,” but you are free to do the same… whether or not you get a job offer. You have power here too!
Pro tip: During the interview process, ask yourself questions like…
- Will I grow with this company or just fill a role temporarily?
- Do I align with their core values and mission?
3. Prep a cheat sheet
There’s no reason to feel freaked out if you’re well prepared! Thinking ahead on tricky questions and role playing by yourself or with a friend can work wonders on your confidence.
We recommend giving yourself 5-15 minutes minimum to research the company before your interview. Jot down the hiring manager’s name, key qualifications or repeated words from the job description, some brag-worthy anecdotes from your career, your questions, or whatever else you think might help.
Pro tip: If you’re interviewing remotely, try this transparent note hack!
@lillianzhang_ I wish I knew about this earlier 😭 #interview #interviewtips #interviewhacks #career #jobsearch #jobs #intern #interntok #transparentnote ♬ pushin P (feat. Young Thug) – Gunna & Future
4. Just breathe
We know you’ve heard this advice before – but hey, it works! Take some time to chill out before your interview by trying 4-7-8 breathing – AKA breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
It’s a pattern that experts recommend to reduce anxiety or fall asleep. Why does it work? Because it activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxing your sympathetic nervous system and helping you calm down! Science rules.
5. Use free resources
Finally, don’t forget that you have tons of resources at your disposal! If you’re stressed, we have answers. You can find helpful blogs and videos on common interview questions and answers on our socials and site!
If you have a specific question, we’re always taking video requests and do our best to respond to comments on all platforms. Plus, we have a fun Halloween “fireside chat” coming up where you’ll get face-to-face time to ask anything about the hiring process. We’re here for you!
That completes our list! We hope these 5 tips help you avoid pre-interview stress – but for more insights like this, make sure to join the Pivot + Edge Talent Network. We’re always sharing our top career hacks and all the latest news from our team, and we can’t wait to connect with you!
