9 Tips for Conquering Nerves During Your Job Interview | Career Concepts

After days of preparation (and hours beforehand, calming your nerves), you’re finally inside the interview room. That’s great! 

But sometimes, no matter how much we prepare, we’re still nervous at the actual moment. While our minds can be convinced that a job interview is not dangerous, the pressure to impress prospective employers can trigger a flood of adrenaline that sets off our fight-or-flight response.

While it’s perfectly normal to have these reactions (your body is trying to help you by heightening your senses so that you can make connections quicker and perform well) unharnessed adrenaline can make it difficult to stay calm.  

Fortunately, there are methods you can employ to walk the tightrope of excessive nerves and necessary energy to get through your interview.

1. Use your stress as adrenaline: Nervousness and adrenaline are highly correlated—so harness it. Try to relate to your feelings of anticipation in a new way by turning your nervous energy into excitement. If you have a moment while the interviewer is first sitting down or if there is a pause between questions, say to yourself, "I am excited for this interview" rather than "I am nervous for this interview," and tell yourself that your quickened pulse means you’re pumped for the interview, not intimidated by it. 

2. Breathe deeply: Nervousness can cause hyperventilation, so make a conscious effort to breathe deeply and slowly. 

3. Smile: Smiling doesn’t just make you feel more confident; it also increases the likelihood that the hiring manager will like you.

4. Watch your posture: Posture is one of the easiest ways to project confidence. Sitting comfortably but attentively is necessary to ensure you can complete the interview without fidgeting. Avoid sitting on the edge of your seat, but don’t slouch either.

5. Calm shaky hands: If you feel your hands shaking, do not clamp them in your lap or fold your arms. Slightly clenching your thigh muscles should ease the trembling in your hands –you can still use them to make natural gestures as you speak.

6. Flip the script: Consider that you are interviewing the other person as much as they are interviewing you! After all, you’re also trying to evaluate if the job is a good fit. This mental trick may take some of the pressure off.

7. Remember that nerves during a job interview can be a positive thing: Typically, interviewers will appreciate seeing some nerves from an interviewee, as this indicates enthusiasm and a desire to get the job. A candidate who appears too laid back could be seen as apathetic and not genuinely interested in the job.

8. Remember you are not alone: Don’t forget that the majority of Americans get nervous before or during job interviews. Very few people can stand up and speak in front of strangers without feeling some degree of tension. Remind yourself that how you’re reacting is normal, and that you are surrounded by people who sympathize.

9. Remember it’s just a conversation: Remind yourself that you’re not in fear for your life, you’re just talking to someone. Your interviewer will know you are nervous and will make allowances. Don’t forget that they are hoping you are the right person for the job just as much as you are! 

It’s over. Congratulations! You did it! Don’t dwell on doubts. No candidate has ever missed out on a job simply because they were nervous. You know in your heart that you are qualified; you would not have gotten this far in the selection process if you weren’t. Even if you don’t get the job, remind yourself that you are a good candidate, you have gained additional interview experience, and the right job is still out there waiting for you. Don’t be discouraged –keep going!