10 Strategies For Overcoming Interview Nervousness – Part #1

When it comes to job interviews, everyone I’ve met experiences nervousness, no matter if they are a novice or a pro at interviewing. During the next two posts, I am going to share with you 10 strategies to help you better prepare for your next interview.

Strategy #1

Practice, Practice, Practice! Did I say practice? Seriously, you hear this all the time but it truly is one of the most important things you can do to alleviate stress and perform at your best in an interview. To help you practice, I suggest the following:

1. Review organization website & social media. This will provide you insight in to the organization, what potentially is important to them, information on key leaders, recent accomplishments and more. Use this information to reference during your interview to show you did your due diligence and are interested and excited in the position.

2. Memorize your key responsibilities. Creating a list of your key responsibilities can help you easily speak to your skills and talents and align your abilities with the job tasks your potential employer is seeking.

3. Practice answers to typical interview questions. The more you practice questions that may be asked of you, the easier it will be for you to share your successes and wow the interviewers with your expertise!

4. Find interview question samples online. The internet offers many example Behavioral Based questions on-line that can help you prepare for potential questions. Common questions include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time you experienced conflict with a co-worker.
• Why did you/are you leaving?
• What interests you about this job?
• Why should we hire you?

Strategy #2

When answering questions, always highlight your direct experience along with specific details, quantifiable data and examples of your successes. Craft Success stories by sharing your background, skills, experience and interest in the position. A great way to set up your answer is to follow the EAR Method which stands for sharing your Example, Actions & Results.

Strategy #3

Positive Imagery. Commonly used by actors, sports stars and politicians. Prior to your interview, imagine yourself walking in to the building with confidence. Greeting interviewers with a strong hand shake and answering questions with ease like the rock star you are. This technique helps you reduce the stress of the actual event as you have increased confidence in your performance and feel better prepared to present your expertise in a well spoken and professional manner.

Strategy #4

Do Your Best & Accept Results. Find a new job is stressful and although easier said than done, realizing that you can only do the best that you can do and what will be will be is one way of not allowing yourself to get too worked up about the process. Often times, when we don’t get what we want, it’s because something better is coming.

Strategy #5

Deep Breathing. This technique helps to calm your nerves and lower your blood pressure. When you feel anxiety building or you are about to go in to your interview, take a deep breath, hold for 8 seconds and slowly release for 5 seconds. Try this tip and experience firsthand how much more relaxed you fee.

Next week we will be sharing tips 6-10 for ways to reduce your interview nervousness.