7 Tips to Make Interview Nerves Disappear
You’ve landed an interview for your next big career move – a goal you have been working towards for a long time. You have all the experience required and you know you’d be a great fit but there’s one problem – your interview nerves are setting in. Believe me when I say you are not alone.
If not dealt with effectively, interview nerves can leave you lacking confidence and feeling anxious- they take up so much time and energy that would be better spent researching and preparing for the interview itself. Like most common fears, interview nerves are generally irrational and at best, misplaced concerns. Here are the tips you should follow to make those nerves disappear.
1.It’s not all about you
As the interviewee, the focus is on you and it’s absolutely your chance to shine. But remember, the interview panel is under pressure too. Pressure of interviewing well. Pressure to recruit well. The company is investing a lot of money and resource recruiting for this position, if they recruit the wrong candidate, it doesn’t reflect well on them.
Every candidate is in the same position as you so let that ease the pressure you’re putting on your shoulders. Have compassion for the interview panel and trust them to bring out the best in you. Never underestimate the skill and concentration required to get the best out of an interviewee.
2. Know yourself, your motives and your strengths
Take the time to understand what you offer. What skills, experience and knowledge do you have that are huge assets to this role? Understand clearly what your motivation for the role is and why you’re the best candidate. What strengths do you have that would complement this company and role well? Once you are clear on what you have to offer you can walk in to the interview confidently.
3. Trust Yourself
If you have researched the company/industry, know what skills/experience you have to match the job requirements, are driven and motivated, can recount your key career successes, know what points you want to get across and what ideas you can bring to the role, you’re good to go. You’ve prepared well, you know you can do this role well, now it’s time to relax and trust yourself.
4. Reframe the situation
In your mind the interview is a situation you’re not going to be comfortable with, so it’s no wonder you’re nervous. Time to take a step back and think about when you excel – what type of situations do you do well in?
Do you enjoy group discussions? See the interview as one big group discussion. If being centre-stage is your thing – be the main act.