Ways to Reduce Anxiety Before an Interview

Posted by Kaya Layton on Nov 15, 2021 10:07:41 AM

Relaxing by the water

Getting Ready For The Big Day

Going into your first interview can be extremely stressful. It is best to feel calm, cool, and collected when it is time for the big interview. Here are some tips to make sure that you feel your best when it is time for your interview. Find more tips on our website HERE!

Staying Motivated

Keep your eye on the prize, and also don’t forget to give yourself the chance to shine and thrive!

The Psychological Aspects Of Anxiety 

Before we get into the advice to calm your nerves, let’s quickly go over the psychological perspective on anxiety and why exactly it happens. Our brains are genetically wired to react to different events in ways that can help keep the human body safe. When we as people experience anxiety, the amygdala, which is a set of neurons in the brain that processes emotions in our brain, gets to work. Our performance during an interview can trigger this fear receptor in our brains and allow for us to better perform. The fear that is triggered can sometimes hinder our positive traits though. Just by understanding what the anxiety is and why you are experiencing it, you are already one step ahead of the game. By knowing this information, you can have a better understanding for yourself and others when stepping into the interview. 

Understanding The Assignment

A key part of going into any task is understanding your assignment. This goes for most things whether that be an interview, a project, or any sort of event that has an end goal. It is important to do your research ahead of time to get the best set of expectations that you need to meet and fulfill under your belt. Not only does research and preparation help calm your nerves, but it also is great for making you appear as a better candidate than if you had not done the brunt work ahead of time. When you come into an interview prepared, employers can tell and they almost always will appreciate your efforts and expectations set for yourself in the workplace. To be sure that you are prepared for your next interview, check out this OFJS blog, How To Prepare For An Upcoming Interview 

Social Anxiety

Now let’s jump into the topic of anxiety and being nervous from a social perspective. Almost everyone gets at least a little bit nervous before a job interview, that is completely normal. Some common things that become stressors in this type of scenario are a lack of confidence, not looking perfect, or not having the right outfit. The key is to not let your overthinking or negative connation that you have set into your mind get the best of you. It is important to work towards improving your interview performance for the next go around. 

As we mentioned before, something that many people experience before an interview is anxiety. The best way to ensure that you are doing your best is to put your mind at ease by preparing. If you plan for the interview, rehearse what you’re going to say and wear, and also arrive early then there is nothing to be worried about. Some examples of steps to prepare yourself before an interview could be anything to benefit your mind, body, and energy. The night before a big interview try taking time to try on a few outfits and find what works best for you personally. You’ll want to choose an outfit that you feel most comfortable and confident in. If you look good, you almost always feel good too, especially in a professional setting. Along with your appearance of your clothes, another important step to appear polished is to shower and do your hair. Showering the night before could help your body wind down to relax for the next day. Before bed, you could go over potential interview questions or questions that you might have for the interviewer. To see how to eliminate insomnia and anxiety before bed, check out this OFJS blog with Tips To Ease Your Insomnia 

Importance Of Self-Care

What lots of people should do but don’t do is to treat themselves good. Most people neglect themselves and don’t treat themselves very nicely. It is key to treat yourself with respect and give yourself the break that you deserve. Visualize your best self and show up as that person for the day of the interview. It is good practice to carry this mindset in your everyday life though rather than just before big events though. It is important to practice a healthy emotional, physical and spiritual lifestyle every day. Be sure to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. It is also important to get eight hours of sleep each night to perform at your best. Many people do not speak highly of themselves. Treat yourself the way that you would like to be treated in order to live a spiritually positive life as well.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, what is most important is that you act like yourself and put your best foot forward. Worst case scenario, you don’t get the job, but you always gain the experience of interviewing for a job and that will be extremely beneficial the next time around. At the end of the day, whatever happens is meant to happen. 

Topics/Tags/Categories: Interview, Self Exploration, Interview Follow-up, Selling Yourself, Personal Branding

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