Finding a job is stressful and tedious. You spend hours applying for jobs that best match your educational background, skills, and professional experience. After what seems like forever without a response, you’re starting to feel like this process will never end. When you’ve all but given up, you finally receive a call for an interview. While you should be excited about this opportunity, your anxiety starts to kick in.
The Pressure Is On
Interviews are intimidating. The spotlight is on as prospective employers assess whether you’re a good fit for their organization. Everything from your appearance and professionalism to your personality and experience is brought to the forefront. Whether it’s your first interview or your 50th, the pressures of trying to prove yourself “worthy” are overwhelming.
While being anxious about an interview is expected, individuals who suffer from low self-esteem or social anxiety often struggle. The idea of being judged triggers fear and feelings of inadequacy. If not controlled, these negative emotions can make getting through an interview difficult. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the tension. Continue reading to learn more.
Get Prepared
Being unprepared for an interview can trigger your anxiety. You’re essentially throwing yourself into a situation without a plan. From arriving late to stumbling over your words, these behaviors reflect negatively on employers. As such, you must ensure you’re ready. Here are some things you can do to get prepared:
- Identify Your Strengths – How are some people so good at interviews? They’re confident in who they are and the value they’d bring to any company. Since it’s your job to sell interviewers, it is vital to own your strengths. Based on the description, how do your educational, professional, or personal experiences make you an ideal candidate? As you identify your areas of strength, write them down and meditate on them to lift your confidence and ease your fears.
- Practice Interview Questions – Another way to reduce interview anxiety is to practice interview questions. You can find general questions and answers online to use as a guide. Review each item and spend time coming up with an adequate response. Then, practice these alone or with a relative to get comfortable.
- Research the Company – You may feel like you’re the only one in the hot seat, but that’s not the case. Companies also have to prove themselves worthy. While it is important to share why you’re a good fit, an interview is also a time to find out how the company best suits your needs. Do some research and jot down questions for the interviewers.
- Prep the Night Before – Racing against the clock is bound to trigger anxiety. A practical solution is to prepare the night before. Select your outfit and ensure that it is clean, ironed, and ready to throw on the next day. Also, get a good night’s rest and set the alarm, so you’re on time.
Start Your Day Right
Starting your day off in a hurry is only going to fluster you further. If you’re going to overcome your anxiety, you must use the morning to set the day’s tone. Wake up early to eat a well-balanced meal, exercise, shower, and get dressed without running around. You might also take CBD tablets or meditate for 15 minutes to help calm your nerves.
Have a Positive Mindset
Don’t let that negative voice get you down before your interview. As low self-esteem can make your social anxiety worse, you must keep your spirits up. On the way to the interview, listen to uplifting music. When you start to doubt yourself, state a few positive affirmations out loud to remind yourself that you can do this.
No one enjoys going on interviews. The pressure is a lot to deal with. Unfortunately, it is a necessary part of the job-seeking process. If you’re going to land your dream job, you must find the inner strength to overcome your anxiety. Being prepared, starting your day off right, and maintaining a positive mindset are all practical solutions to confidently nail your next interview.