Interview Tips

How to Overcome Job Interview Anxiety?

Interview anxiety is often an encumbrance for people looking to get employed. People who are easily anxious when it comes to social situations find it difficult to cope with situations like job interviews and so on.

In this post, I shall be revealing some of the most effective techniques for dealing with the anxiety that comes with a job interview.

For most people meeting unfamiliar people who are in positions of power and authority makes them feel quite anxious. For this set of people, speaking about themselves, getting judged or evaluated on their appearance, composure, and their ability to sell themselves – all trigger social anxiety.

There are several levels of anxiety. There are mild forms of stress, as well as severe forms of anxiety. While mild anxiety can get treated with ordinary procedures, the acute type can get treated with cognitive-behavioural therapy and medication.

However, most cases of anxieties related to events like job interviews can get improved by simple strategies outlined in this post.

For those who are prone to social anxiety, or they are easily nervous about a particular job interview, they can apply the following tips to help cope with stress.

Table of Contents

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1. Do the Right Thing

Do not take anything which contains caffeine. Get adequate sleep while engaging in frequent exercise. It is vital to maintain good health when facing possible stressful situations. When preparing for a job interview, you must prepare mentally to counter anxiety and stress.

2. Picture Yourself Becoming Successful at the Job Interview

Move to a quiet space without any form of disturbance, shut your eyes, and picture yourself becoming successful in the meeting. Imagining your success in the interview is more significant than positive thinking if you do it the right way.

You are only getting your brain ready to behave in a particular manner. This procedure is employed by professional athletes before their games to enhance their performances. Mental visualization is an effective method of combating anxiety and motivating yourself.

3. Minimize Stressors

In this scenario, when we say stressors, we mean anything that can make you feel distressed in the interview. Stressors should get avoided at all costs. You should get rid of stressors that are not related to your performance during the meeting, like:

Inconvenient clothing
Missing your directions to the venue of the interview
Arriving late at the place of the discussion.

Before the interview, you should get the right clothes, which improves your appearance and enhances your comfort. If you do not know the interview venue, try to create time beforehand to look for it or visit the place a day or two days before the interview.

4. Perform your Research

When you well prepared for an interview, this could be an excellent way to relieve anxiety.

Research some vital information about the company you are interviewing with.
Practice beforehand your answers to typical interview questions.

Every piece of preparation you do will considerably boost your level of comfort and increase your capability and confidence in the interview.

5. Try Not to Give in to Pressure

Sometimes, you could be interviewed by somebody that questions you to see how you can handle stress. However, if you are somebody with regular anxiety attacks, you could automatically spiral into unhealthy thoughts by thinking that the interviewer knows all about your weakness.

Or you could be thinking that they do not like you and hence won’t give you the job. This is the part where you need to stop thinking that way. You should consider that other interviewees have probably been treated this way and, therefore, not a reflection of your capabilities or your personality.

Think about the interviewer of being curious about your abilities to handle the challenges that come with the position.

6. Prepare Some Questions for the Interviewer

You should not feel anxious about an interview if you know that they are also opportunities for you to assess your potential employer. You are looking if you can work for this person just the way that they think if you would be an excellent fit for their company.

Ask the interviewer questions which demonstrate your curiosity as to the suitability of the organization. This question should be related to your career ambitions and goals. To do this effectively, ensure that you get appropriately prepared with questions of your own.

7. Find a Way to Get Rid of Anxious Energy

Most people find it difficult to hide their anxiety when they face stressful situations. They try pretty hard to conceal their fear.

Despite when they become properly protected, anxiety often finds a way to leak out. If you discover that you are fidgeting, find something less noticeable to dissipate the anxious energy. One good example of such things is to wiggle your toes.

8. Take All the Time You Need

A low manner of approaching an interview thinks that you have to provide quick and smart answers to questions. Who says that you have to provide immediate answers to all questions?

Pause for a while, gather your thoughts and answer the questions.
If worried about forgetting your thoughts during interviews, put down some notes as people talk. This practice helps in removing the focus off you and focusing on the question at hand.

9. Prepare Yourself Properly for the Interview by Organizing Your Items

An adequately prepared job applicant has an instant advantage during an interview. Additionally, if you are properly prepared and effectively proactive, your interview anxiety is reduced. You should not forget to bring along with you, relevant items such as: