How To Manage Stress During The Interview

No matter how much you believe you are perfect for a job, you will most likely need to convince an interview panel that you are as good as you think you are. Unfortunately, the interview process is often what many people find the most stressful, and it can lead to them being less confident and decisive as they could be.

Certainly, there are ways that you can prepare for the interview, which includes reading about the company, practising the most common questions they might ask, and thinking about what questions you want to ask them at the end. 

However, learning to manage your anxiety and nerves is as important as any other part of the interview. If you are too stressed, then you won’t be able to give your best. Here are some of the ways that you can manage stress during the interview.

Arrive Early And Take Some Time

One of the things that you will always be told is not to be late for the interview. This not only looks poor, but it will also mean you arrive flustered and stressed which is not what you want. 

What you need to do is make sure that you know exactly where the interview is and ensure that you are there in plenty of time for your interview. However, you don’t want to go straight in, instead, find somewhere that you can sit outside to relax and settle your mind. The fresh air will also do you a lot of good at calming you down and clearing your head. 

Prepare For Any Eventuality

Many people get the most stress from doing something wrong and being embarrassed either before or during the interview. To try and overcome this, you need to prepare the best you can for the worst things that may happen. 

For example, if you are taking public transport to the venue, ensure that you get there in plenty of time by taking an earlier journey. You can always sit somewhere and relax if you get there too soon. 

If you are having a telephone interview, try to ensure that you are going to be undisturbed and that your mobile phone has enough charge. If you are not at home, make sure you have your phone charger or a charging pack with you. 

Use Mobile Apps 

Mobile phones are now one of the most valuable pieces of technology in terms of how much people rely on them. They are also most likely the one thing you will have with you before your interview. For that reason, you can use it to access one of the many relaxation apps that are available on Android and Apple. 

Try to use it in the morning of the interview and also perhaps on the way there. Alternatively, if you don’t want to use one of these apps, then you can use any app that helps you to relax and take your mind off the interview. 

Motivate Yourself

Although you might think that talking to yourself is not a good idea, studies have shown that it is actually a great way to motivate yourself. You need to tell yourself things that will boost your confidence such as ‘I am smart’ or ‘I can perform this role.’ The trick is to say these things out loud so that you can hear them. 

Talking out loud can also be a great way to practice answering interview questions. Although you may have practised them in your mind, saying them out loud will help when you come to talk in the interview. It will also help you to remember what you said if you are asked the same question. 

Take Time To Think

When you are asked a question in the interview, it can be easy to start talking immediately to try to seem confident. However, you need to give yourself time to compose yourself and think of the answer you want to give. 

It might sound frightening to say nothing at first, but the interview team will know that you are thinking and will allow you a little time. Giving yourself time will also allow you to properly take in the whole of the question instead of thinking about your answer before they have finished. This can lead you to miss part of the question and not give an adequate answer. 

Drink Some Water

Nerves and a lot of talking can both cause you to get a dry throat. For this reason, you shouldn’t feel awkward asking for some water at the beginning if none is provided. You should also take your own with you just in case they don’t have any which is unusual. 

Taking a sip of water can also give you some valuable thinking time after a question when you can take the opportunity to develop a strong answer. 

Practice Your Breathing

When you get anxious, your breathing can become shallow or you can hyperventilate. To prevent this from happening, try to control your breathing, and become aware of how fast you take breaths. There are apps that can help you count and control your breathing so you should practice these before the interview so you can use it on the day. 

The good thing about learning this skill is that it can be used in many other stressful situations as well.

Use Your Adrenaline

High levels of adrenaline are closely linked with nervousness, however, it can also be a sign of immense excitement. If you are feeling on edge and under stress, try to use it in a positive way and turn it into exciting energy. 

By using this technique you can still get the pumped feeling of the adrenaline, but you can use it in a way that will help you perform better. 

Don’t Forget To Smile

When you smile, it can convey to others that you are happy and confident, even if you aren’t feeling that way inside. Even if you have to fake the smile, it can also help you to feel better about yourself as well, so there is no harm in giving it a try. 

Being interviewed for a new job is stressful, especially if it is a job you have always dreamed of doing.

IHR Group can match you with a wide range of healthcare jobs in Australia or New Zealand. So if you are looking for that dream job, you can check out our website where new jobs are posted most days.