Preparing for an interview is exciting no matter if you’re a recent college grad looking for entry level positions or a seasoned C-suite executive. With the future full of possibilities, this new job just might be the ticket to reaching your next big career goal. You’re feeling great until a few days before the interview, then the interview nerves set in.
Even industry gurus get anxious before big interviews. The problem is when this anxiety gets the best of you and you blow your meeting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so it’s critical to put your best face forward on the big day.
There are numerous tried-and-true ways to relieve stress prior to an interview. The most important is preparation. The more you know about the company, the products and the people, the better you’ll be at answering questions in a thoughtful manner.
What’s more, the better prepared you are to talk about yourself through compelling stories, the more memorable you’ll be. If you struggle here, consider working with an expert career coach who can work with you so you have the skills and confidence to ace any interview. Remember, practice makes perfect.
In addition to proper interview preparation, there are numerous other things you can do in the days leading up to the interview to prepare your mind and body for success. Start with exercise. Get your blood pumping and release those feel-good endorphins. It’s one of the best ways to relieve stress.
Next, prioritize sleep. Go to bed early the night before your interview and meditate. Just two to 10 minutes of quiet contemplation can help calm the mind and ease worries. Then you’ll be ready for a great night’s sleep so the next day your heart and head are ready to rock.
On the day of the interview, try visualizing success. Positive thinking beforehand can positively influence outcomes. Don’t let doubts overcome your potential. Believe in yourself! While you’re at it, do a few power poses in private (for example, the superhero pose). Research shows that holding these types of poses for just a few minutes can actually help you gain confidence and calm nerves.
Lastly, don’t forget to eat well. It can be difficult to eat on a nervous stomach, but without food your hunger may cause you to mentally (or worse, physically) stumble. Bananas are a great option that is gentle on the stomach and provides much needed natural sugars. Plus, rumor has it bananas can help calm shaky nerves. In fact, musicians often eat bananas before an audition or concert. It’s believed that the tryptophan, potassium and beta-blockers are great stress reducers.
With these simple tips, you can feel great about your next interview.
