How to Shake Last Minute Interview Nerves in 5 Minutes - Page 4

You’re one of the lucky few selected for a job interview! Whether you are fresh out-of-college or longing for a career change, the possibility of clinching a job with the potential for success and financial rewards is bound to produce some butterflies in your tummy. Going through the interview process can be time consuming and very stressful, since a make or break decision could foretell your future. And the weight of the competition and the thought being dismissed can leave you anxiety-ridden, so here’s how you can take on stress in five minutes or less before an interview:

1. Learn to conquer self-doubt

Dispose of all negative thoughts and feelings that are circulating in your head. Practice self-talks to drive out the remnants of negativity. The defining point of an interview is executing your strengths and making persuasive statements to let the employer know that you’re fit for the position. Overanalyzing yourself can bring down your self-confidence level, which can sometimes resort to failure in the board room as well.

2. Take deep meditative breaths

The use of meditation makes a major difference as your preparing for an interview. Take a few moments to inhale and exhale for a couple of minutes, maximize deep breaths or close your eyes in prayer to calm your nerves. This controlled breathing pattern puts you in control of the most important part of the interview, yourself.

4. Drink water to clear your throat

Consume a sufficient amount of fluids (specifically, water) so that you’re not left feeling dehydrated. Fear can sometimes sap your energy to the point of exhaustion where it limits professional performance. If you have it within your reach, drink water to help rebuild your mental and physical strength.

5. Talk slowly as possible

Before the interview phase, proceed to engage in conversations with yourself or others to relax the muscles in your jaw. If you have the tendency to ramble or stutter because of nervousness, this will help you move past the problem. It will prove to be the best outlet for you as you state your purpose. Make sure you’re being heard and articulate your words properly to the bosses.

6. Confide in a close relative or friend prior to the interview

Rely on friends and family to rebuild your self-esteem. Positive affirmations are useful in stressful situations because it forces you to think highly of yourself. Those who genuinely care about your predicament will interject some concern and praiseworthy comments to channel your behavior.

7. Preview note cards and background information on the company

Another way to exude confidence is extensively knowing the company’s rules and regulations, code of ethics and mission statement. Companies are known for hiring those who are knowledgeable about the company. With this is mind, they’ll be careful to take note of how you prove you’ve done your research. Showcasing you knowledge of the company drastically increases your chances of getting hired. In addition, write down notes on cards before, during and after the interview. Before to remember pertinent information, during to show that you’re actively engaged in what the interviewer is saying and after for any follow up research you may have to complete.

8. Know Your Interviewer’s Objectives

Pre-planning allows you to get your ducks in a row, think of mentionable highlights, and outline the company’s basic objectives. With this approach, you should be able to answer each question fully, so the interviewers are intrigued by you and your perceived ability to provide what the company needs. Sometimes, hiring managers will test to see how much guts you have in the boardroom and to see how well you do under pressure.