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Sweaty palms, jiggling legs, concerns about forgetting past qualifications and making a fool of yourself; the moments before a job interview can be tense and incredibly nerve-wracking. We’ve all been there.

In reality, there is no magical formula for banishing job interview nerves entirely and, regardless, they’re often a good thing, but there are a few things you can do both before the big day and during the interview itself to put yourself at ease.

The night before the interview

It’s sometimes a good idea to scout out the interview location the night before – particularly if you’re not familiar with the area. The last thing you want to do is arrive late and getting a glimpse of the building in which you’ll be interviewed may be enough for you to realise that this isn’t such a big deal. A building is a building, after all!

Get a good nights sleep. Take a warm bath beforehand, read a chapter from your favourite book or listen to a podcast – basically, anything which usually chills you out. When your eyes start to feel heavy, hit the sack.

You can prepare too much for big events, so make sure you stop preparing for your interview earlier in the day. In doing so, you’ll banish any lingering thoughts about those potentially awkward questions and, in turn, gain the beauty sleep you’ll need.

The day of your interview

Rise earlier than you normally would and have a decent breakfast. Porridge with banana works brilliantly due to the stress-relieving properties of oats and the feel good nature of serotonin in banana.

Watch some TV, read the paper or have a sift through your email – try not to think about the specifics of the interview. You’ve trained your brain for weeks for this moment, so you can give it a rest for now. You can do no more.

Managing Job Interview Nerves Upon Arrival at the Interview Location

Arrive half an hour before your job interview to help settle your nerves. If you’ve driven, take a moment to sit in your car and reflect on what you want to say. Avoid rehearsing lines as nothing sounds worse than a scripted response, but thinking through how you’ll present your case for employment can make a big difference.

If you arrived via other means of transport, take a short walk around the area. The light exercise will help keep your mind sharp and ease any lingering job interview nerves. These small steps can help you feel more prepared and composed.

During the interview

Breathe slowly and consistently. Nervousness often leads to shallow, rapid breathing, which only heightens anxiety. Take slow, deep breaths by inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for six to calm your body and mind.

If you feel tense, gently press the point in the middle of your hand and release. This discreet acupressure technique helps reduce anxiety and is subtle enough to use in any situation. Together, these simple practices can help you stay calm and composed under pressure.

Conclusion

A little nervousness before a job interview can work in your favor, keeping you focused. Remember, the interviewer is human too and wants to find the right fit. Approach the interview as a conversation, not a test, and highlight your skills confidently. For roles in security, mentioning relevant security courses or certifications can showcase your expertise and commitment, helping you make a lasting impression.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/en/worried-girl-woman-waiting-sitting-413690/