Calming Your Nerves Before the Interview

Anytime I have an interview, I get nervous. I find myself wondering if I'll make a good impression, if I'll have the answers to the questions the interviewer asks, and so on and so forth. It's the kinds of things that can drive you crazy. Fortunately, I know how to break the cycle of nerves and prepare myself to do the best that I can during the interview. One of the first things I do is try to anticipate what kind of questions that interviewer will ask. If I need some help, I do some research on the company and also online to find examples of questions for the specific field. Then I make notes. I write out the questions and write my answers to each question. This helps me internalize the information.

On the days leading up to the interview, I practice answering the questions. I might ask my husband to do a mock interview with me. Or I might just practice on my own by reading the question to myself and answering it aloud. On the day of the interview I arrive early enough that I can sit and review my questions and answers one more time before I interview. This whole process really helps me to deliver natural answers that don't seem rehearsed.

Other things I do include finding the perfect interview outfit. I make sure it's clean and pressed and ready to go for the day of the interivew. I get plenty of sleep and eat a light meal. I clear my mind and try not think about how the interview will go. I reserve my energy for reviewing the questions. It works for me!