How to beat interview nerves

Many people are overcome with nerves in stressful situations like job interviews. Our body seems to behave differently when under stress. To stop nerves getting the better of you, here are some tips and tricks to help you nail those interviews nerves:

Slow Down

Nerves tend to make us speed up, so while you’re waiting for your interview, breathe slowly in through your nose very slowly for a count of three. Then breathe out through your mouth for a count of three. Repeat this three times. This will help you to feel relaxed and slow you speech down.

Hand Shakes

Simply squeeze your thigh muscles to distract yourself from thinking about your shaking hands. This technique will help you focus and the above breathing technique will help you relax and stop the rush of adrenalin caused by stress and remember to make eye contact.

Stand up

You will often be shown into a boardroom before an interview and offered a seat while you wait. Don’t take it. You don’t want their first impression of you to be struggling up out of a chair, so stay standing. You’ll look more confident if you are on their level as you first meet them.

Find your best sitting position

Firstly, never trust the back of a chair. You can easily end up leaning too far back and not looking interested. By leaning slightly forward on your chair you’ll look and feel more dynamic.

Show your hands

It has been proved that we are much more likely to get a job if we have our hands visible on the table in front of us rather than hiding our under the table. Showing our hands is a sign of honesty and you should gesture with your palms facing upwards

Listen too

Many people try too hard in a job interview and talk about themselves relentlessly. Haven’t you been bored by other people going on about themselves too much? Remember to ask questions – and be genuinely interested in the reply. Obviously it’s important to look keen and passionate about the job on offer but try not to simply blow your own trumpet too much.

Use your own voice

Try to use your own voice rather than putting on a formal public speaking voice. Often this is as simple as not speaking too loudly. Speak as if you were talking with a group of friends but remember to keep the tone professional.

Be yourself

If you are being yourself when meeting other people, we will come across as relaxed, authentic and confident. Try to use words you usually use.

Enjoy the interview and be proud of your achievements – you’ve already made it on the shortlist so they have already seen something they like. Remember to slow down, listen and be yourself. If you do that, you’ll come across as relaxed, authentic and confident.

Job done! 

For more interview tips click here