Sometimes you can be so nervous that your voice breaks, your palms are sweaty and you just can’t concentrate. This can be particularly perilous in a job interview scenario, where first impressions count and nerves can stop you communicating exactly how valuable you would be to the role.
Some simple ways to overcome nerves can be to look to look at the interviews that you fail in as practice. Yes, it’s a bummer that you didn’t get your dream job this time, but you’ve also learned valuable lessons about what not to do, figured out the things you get particularly stressed over and just generally know what to expect. As nerves stem from fear and fear comes from the unknown, the more you know, the less nervous you’ll be.
Another handy tip can be tricks that actors use on stage. Play a character and psychologically remove yourself from the situation. You’re someone else – but this person is the most successful version of you.
Our last tip is simply to be prepared, as Scar sang in the Lion King as he prepared to steal victory from Mufasa. Do you think Scar was nervous? Hell no. Arm yourself with your best weapon: information – then go in with guns blazing.
Other things that might help are: dressing in clothes you feel comfortable and successful in, walking and standing tall, making eye contact and reminding yourself that your interviewers are ‘just people’ after all.
