10 Easy Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before a Job Interview
Let’s be honest—interviews are nerve-wracking. You’ve spent hours updating your CV, researching the company, and practising your “greatest weakness” answer, only to feel like your nerves might get the better of you when the big day comes. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: a bit of nervous energy is normal, even good. It shows you care. But you don’t want those nerves turning into a full-blown meltdown right before you’re meant to shine. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks to keep the nerves under control so you can walk in (or log on) feeling calm and ready to ace it.
1. Prepare Like a Pro
Preparation is your best defense against nerves. Research the company, understand their values, and know the role inside out. But don’t stop there. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn (without coming across as a stalker!) to find common ground or get a sense of their professional style. The more you know, the less intimidating the process becomes. Preparation replaces uncertainty with confidence.
2. Practise Your Answers
There’s no need to memorise a script, but rehearsing answers to common questions can reduce interview jitters. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Grab a friend or even record yourself answering key questions. Hearing yourself speak can be a game-changer—it builds confidence and highlights areas for improvement.
3. Plan Everything in Advance
Don’t leave anything to chance on interview day. Pick out your outfit the night before (make sure it’s clean, ironed, and appropriate for the company culture). Plan your route, factoring in extra time for unexpected delays. Even small things like having your CV printed and stored neatly in a folder can help you feel more in control.
4. Focus on Breathing
Sounds simple, but it works. When anxiety kicks in, your breathing becomes shallow, which only fuels the nervous cycle. Slow, deep breaths can help calm your mind and body. Try this: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale for six. Repeat until you feel your heart rate slow down. It’s a mini reset button for your brain.
5. Visualise Success
It might sound silly but, close your eyes and imagine the interview going brilliantly. Picture yourself walking into the room with confidence, answering questions with ease, and impressing the interviewer. Visualisation isn’t just fluff—it helps to create a positive mindset and boost your self-belief.
6. Dress for Confidence
We all know the saying: "Look good, feel good." Wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident can give you a psychological edge. Choose something that’s comfortable but professional. Avoid anything new or untested—you don’t want to discover your shoes pinch or your jacket feels tight mid-interview.
7. Arrive Early (But Not Too Early)
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location, but don’t show up more than 10 minutes early. Sitting in the reception area for too long can amplify your nerves. Instead, find a nearby coffee shop or take a walk to stay calm and centered before heading in.
8. Bring a Cheat Sheet
No, not for the answers, but for key points you want to remember. Jot down three or four things you want to highlight during the interview—achievements, questions to ask, or insights about the company. Glancing at your notes beforehand can help focus your thoughts and reduce pre-interview jitters.
9. Reframe Nervousness as Excitement
The physical symptoms of nerves—racing heart, sweaty palms, butterflies—are the same as those of excitement. Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” tell yourself, “I’m excited for this opportunity.” It’s a small mental shift, but it can make a big difference in how you approach the interview.
10. Accept That It’s Okay to Be Nervous
Finally, remember that a bit of nervous energy is completely normal. It shows that you care about the opportunity. The trick is not to let it overwhelm you. Embrace your nerves as a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, which is where real growth happens.
Bonus Tip: Have a Post-Interview Plan
Once the interview is done, reward yourself—regardless of how it went. Go for a walk, meet a friend, or treat yourself to something you enjoy. Having something to look forward to can take the pressure off the interview itself.
Interviews don’t have to feel like a trip to the dentist. With the right preparation, mindset, and a few practical strategies, you can walk into any interview feeling calm, confident, and ready to impress. Remember, the interviewer wants you to do well—they’re not there to trip you up.
Focus on being the best version of yourself, and even if you don’t land this particular role, every interview is a learning experience that gets you closer to your goals.
You’ve got this.
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