It’s common to feel nervous before an interview, but there are several strategies you can try to help calm those nerves and boost your confidence. Read on to discover our top tips for keeping your cool and walking into your interview feeling self assured!




Prepare Thoroughly

·       Do your own research on the company in order to understand the company’s mission, values, culture and recent developments.

·       Rehearse common interview questions – you could even conduct a mock interview with a friend or mentor.

·       Familiarise yourself with your skills and experience so that you are able to speak about it confidently and in detail.

Practise Relaxation Techniques

·       Practise deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth.

·       Spend a few minutes practising mindfulness or doing a meditation in order to centre your thoughts and reduce stress.

·       Try doing progressive muscle relaxation, tense and slowly release different muscle groups in your body to help relieve the tension.

Visualise Success

·       Close your eyes and visualise yourself performing well in the interview. Imagine walking confidently into the room, answering questions effectively and receiving positive feedback.

·       Use positive affirmations to boost your self esteem. Repeating phrases like “I am prepared and confident” or “I am capable and skilled” can reinforce your positive thinking.

Plan Ahead

·       Plan your route to the interview location, and make sure to allow extra time in case of unexpected delays.

·       Choose and lay out your interview outfit the night before. Ensure it is professional and comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about it on the day of the interview.

·       Gather and organise any necessary materials such as documents, references of work samples so that you have them ready to use.

Confidence Boosting Activities

·       Do some light exercise, like a brisk walk or yoga. This can release endorphins and reduce anxiety.

·       Listen to your favourite music or get pumped up listening to a playlist that energises and motivates you.

·       Try power posing (standing in a posture of confidence) for a few minutes to help increase feelings of confidence and reduce stress hormones in the body.

By incorporating these stress reducing activities into your pre-interview routine, you can manage your nerves effectively. This will help you to approach your interview with a calm and confident mindset – best of luck!

 
interview Mental Health