A guide to managing your stress before an interview
Posted at 24/01/2022
Feeling anxious or nervous about an interview is perfectly normal. The most important thing in these situations is to be able to control your anxiety and manage your stress. Follow the 10 steps in this guide and learn the best strategies to avoid stressing yourself out with stress in an interview. Let's do it!a
Positive stress
Stress is normal and can even be positive if you know how to work around it.
What is stress? Stress is a normal physiological and behavioral response to something that has happened or is about to happen that makes us feel threatened or that in some way upsets our equilibrium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified stress as the "health epidemic of the 21st century".
Positive stress helps you stay focused on the goal you want to achieve, in this case a job. An appropriate amount of stress can be positive when we know how to use it effectively.
Rationalize your fears. It is not the situation itself that causes us anxiety, but our perception of that situation.
It is also important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Not getting this job is not the end of the world, other opportunities will arise. Do your best and the results will eventually come!
An interview is a discussion
Most recruiters are not interviewing you to trick you. Take all questions as they come, keep calm and answer after a short time of reflection. The interview is a conversation about you and your career path. Keep in mind that it is true that you want this job very much, but on the other side they also expect you to be the person they are looking for.
Think of the interview as an opportunity to meet new people and widen your network. You never know what might happen.
Be prepared
Research the company and memorize the job description. What they want from the person for that job offer. The goal is to be more prepared so you can be more confident.
Visit the company's website and social media to get as much information about the company as possible. Find out for example how many people will interview you and if possible, their LinkedIn profiles.
Get your answers ready
Most questions can be quite similar, depending on the interview. Be as prepared as possible. Answer the most common interview questions.
Make a list where you identify your main skills that match what the company needs and what you can add value to. Give, whenever appropriate, examples of past experiences that enrich and attest your story.
Practice your speech out loud to increase your confidence.
Take your time
During the interview, try to take a deep breath and don't feel you have to start speaking immediately after each question. Take a few moments and answer in a structured and engaging way.
Sleep
Sleep is important to keep our emotions under control. The night before the interview, sleep early! Avoid too much caffeine. A relaxing bath the night before can also be a good help.
Exercise/breath
Take a walk or other exercise to help you release any excess tension.
Laughter can reduce your stress levels. Try talking to friends who can give you positive, fun and optimistic reinforcement. Watch a film that puts you in a good mood. Listen to music.
Breathing techniques can help reduce your heart rate and help you feel calmer. While waiting in the waiting room, breathe slowly and deeply, through your nose and out through your mouth. Concentrate on doing this at least four times.
Don't be afraid to be honest
If you don't know the answer or need more information about the question, don't be stressed. Ask the recruiter to give you more information or to repeat the question. The more you can lift the weight off your shoulders, the better it will be for the course of the interview.
Read: How to justify a period of unemployment on your resume.
Make a strong first impression
The first impression you make at a job interview is crucial and can be the deciding factor for the rest of the recruitment process. Non-verbal cues count for a lot. Maintain eye contact and smile confidently. Make it clear that you are happy for the opportunity to be there. Wait to be invited to sit down. Always show enthusiasm and interest.
D-day is here!
Leave in plenty of time to get to the interview calmly and on the way listen to relaxing or motivational music. Don't forget to decide the day before what you are going to wear.
Positive thinking always!
Convey the certainty that you are the ideal candidate for the job.
What if the interview is online? Read 10 tips for successful online interviews.
