So your resume finally got noticed by an employer and you’re scheduled for a job interview. Congratulations! But wait, the hardest part is not yet over. Even the best prepared applicants can’t help but get nervous especially during the hours leading to the moment when you step inside that room where you will be grilled by your prospective employer.
Afraid that you might mess up? Here are some useful tips that can help you ease that nervousness and stay relaxed during that big job interview:
- Have enough sleep. Give yourself at least 8 hours of rest in order to be physically and mentally prepared. Your body language will certainly show if you are tired and exhausted and you certainly don’t want the interviewer to see you in that condition.
- Eat a healthy meal. You are what you eat so only choose foods that will make you alert and stay focused. You need to boost your protein power and the best way to do this is to add chicken, fish, beans and eggs to your diet. A cup of coffee is a great option but remember to drink in moderation as too much caffeine in your system can make you incredibly tense.
- Be early. Arriving a few minutes earlier will give you time to ease yourself from the stress or jitters that you might just feel prior to the interview. Besides, finding yourself late for your scheduled job interview is the last thing that you want to happen and you certainly don’t want to look haggard or exhausted in front of the interviewer.
- Practice, practice, practice! Rehearsing in front of the mirror allows you to observe your posture and learn how to establish eye contact which is very important during the actual interview. There’s no need to memorize what you are going to answer but what you can do is to at least prepare on the possible questions that might be thrown at you so you can plan ahead on what you want to convey.
- Make it a friendly conversation. Scared of the interviewer? Don’t be. Remember that they are also humans, not robots and it helps if you have a mind-set that you are simply having a friendly conversation. In this way, you will be more relaxed and comfortable in answering their questions.
- Listen to some music. Building confidence and calming your thoughts can be easily achieved by listening to feel-good tunes on your playlist. So put on those headphones and pin your ears back to soothing songs that can clear your mind and get your mental house in order.
- Employ calming techniques. There are many ways to stay calm and relaxed. A breathe of fresh air may do for some while others go for long bubble baths. Quick morning runs, yoga, meditation, reading, it all depends on what puts you into that tranquil state of mind and free yourself from anxiety. The point is that you need to recognize which calming method will work best for you.
