There is no dearth of stress and tension in the twenty-first century. With such a thriving and talented youth, interviewers have leveled up to hire only the most exemplary individuals. As a result, competition is steadily increasing, making it hard to keep up and remain important. It is also more difficult to keep cool and sail through stressful situations, especially job interviews. So, how can you manage stress and anxiety during interviews to show your merit?
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart
If you have previously faced anxiety and stress during job interviews, or are facing them before one now, then you know you need to eradicate them before you lose at their hands.
Earl Williams’ Job Interview: How to best prepare for an interview. How to get rid of stress and anxiety for interviews is an effective solution to the golden question, “How do I manage stress and anxiety during job interviews?” The book describes easy steps and solutions to control stress and includes a hundred questions and answers to make it easier for you to prepare and ace any job interview.
More Examples of How to Manage Stress and Anxiety during Job Interviews
According to a telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Everest College, out of 1002 American employees, 92% are stressed out by something in the job interview procedure, be it the employers’ questions (15%) or being underqualified for the job (11%). Therefore, it is not just overthinking on your part; it is a common human reaction.
So, if you have a job interview around the corner, here are some easy tips on managing stress and anxiety.
- Eat light before interviews, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can increase anxiety as it is a stimulant. Meanwhile, alcohol can affect your focus, and any whiff of it can mean an immediate job rejection. Also, don’t forget to check your smile after eating to avoid dental faux pas.
- Never force yourself to calm down. You might fall into a neverending cycle as trying to force yourself to be calm might make you more anxious when you realize you are not calming down. Instead, accept your stress, and try reframing your anxiety as excitement.
- Come prepared with enough knowledge of the company’s background. Do your research and study their website and social media pages.
- Be on time, and do not forget to carry important documents such as your resume, portfolio, references and a pen and notepad to jot down information.
- Focus on your breathing and speak slowly but as confidently as possible. Remember, having excellent communication skills is critical.
Final Thoughts
Feeling a little anxious before a job interview is normal. However, too much stress and anxiety can sabotage your chances of landing your dream job. By preparing and following these simple tips, you can be your best self during any interview.
