Are you one of the many people who suffer from job interview stress?
For some people the mere thought of attending an interview can be a stressful ordeal. Even some of the most competent and confident people suffer from interview stress.
What is job interview stress?
Job interview stress can affect us all in different ways. Some people may suffer physical symptoms such as a dry mouth, sweaty palms or clumsiness due to interview nerves.
Interview stress can also result in loss of concentration, talking too much and rambling or a lack of confidence which then affects your performance at interview. The good thing is that there are some techniques and strategies you can use to overcome interview stress.
The interview process can be stressful, but you can reduce or overcome the levels of stress by incorporating strategies that work for you. Here are some of the most successful methods that can help you.
How to overcome interview stress
Project confidence
Facts show that interviewers quickly decide if they like you and can get on with you. The good news is that confidence can be transmitted.
Wearing an appropriate outfit that you like, getting your hair styled or wearing a favourite item of jewellery can make you feel confident. If you feel confident, a good interviewer will pick up on this.
Preparing in advance helps overcoming job interview stress
If interview stress makes you sweat then apply deodorant or antiperspirant before attending the interview. Carry a handkerchief or small flannel to dry your hands before entering the interview room.
Phone a friend, your life coach or mentor before the interview to boost your confidence and get you focused. Try using the NLP anchoring technique to bring you to a state of calmness and readiness for your interview.
These simple actions will settle your nerves, help you overcome interview stress and in turn you will perform much better at interview.
Practice the interview questions you may be asked
An interview is simply a way of finding out whether you have the skills, experience, qualifications and personality required to do the job on offer.
Getting your preparation right is probably one of the best ways of overcoming interview stress.
The reality is that over 75% of the questions you may be asked at interview are predictable. Prepare for not only common interview questions, but also those difficult interview questions.
Practice giving answers that clearly demonstrate/illustrate your experience and relevant skills. Giving clear, concise answers shows the interviewer you know and understand the job.
If you are prepared and confident that you have a good answer to a question, you can focus on eye contact, tone of voice and listening to establish a rapport with the interviewer.
Practice interviews / Mock video interviews
Practice interviews are a great way of gaining good objective feedback. Use the help of a professional or someone credible who has hiring experience to assess your performance.
Recording a practice interview allows you to listen and watch your performance. It can highlight what you are doing well and give you the opportunity to identify and improve on areas of concern.
Watch the video with the sound off to see what your body language is saying. Note your posture, eye contact and hand movements.
If you use the process positively it is a great way to build up your confidence and to overcome interview stress. Use the virtual job interview we have provided to practise your skills in private.
Seek professional help to overcome interview stress
Seeking professional assistance to help overcome interview stress may be right for you. Whether you decide to use the services of a career coach, interview coach, NLP practitioner, personal life coach or mentor depends on what you want and the level of support you would like.
Many people have found using certain NLP techniques can get rid of their worst fears. NLP anchoring is a powerful technique that can help you control your emotions by focusing on positive thoughts.
NLP can also show you how to improve your communication skills and build a rapport using processes that have proved successful.
Personal life coaching is being used by an increasing amount of people. Working with the right life coach or a career coach to overcome interview stress can also have a positive effect on other areas of your life.
Hypnotherapy, hypnosis, meditation and acupuncture are other alternatives that you may consider.
Whatever route or technique you choose to use in overcoming interview stress, remember that a good interviewer should put you at ease to get the best from you.
Do you want further information on effective interview techniques or presentation skills? Would you like to add a comment or to share your knowledge and interview experiences with others?
If you have any interview tips, a topic you wish to raise or questions you would like answered, you can post them in our forums.
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