Don’t let interview nerves steal your spotlight; 5 Tips to Soar Above the Jitters!

You’re dressed to impress, your resume is polished to perfection, and you’ve rehearsed your responses a hundred times and, oh, you’ve even got a cool digital profile card with clickable social media links and video referrals. Nothing can beat you now. But as you approach the interview room or prepare to click the virtual meeting link for an online interview, your heart races, your palms get sweaty, and a million “what ifs” start swirling in your mind. Interview nerves? Relax, it’s normal!

That queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach and the racing thoughts that threaten to sabotage your performance are not your enemy. They’re your body’s way of gearing up for a challenge, a testament that you care about the opportunity and strongly desire it to unfold flawlessly. The good news? You can harness that nervous energy and transform it into a powerful ally.

In this blog, we’re going to do just that! Let’s explore the five best strategies to harness those jitters and turn them into confidence. So, no more being worried about surviving interviews because when armed with these tips, you will thrive in them!

 

Make it real, and make it about you!

In the high-stakes theatre of job interviews, it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of wearing a mask, of trying to be the (‘know-it-all’ or ‘complicated vocabulary’) person you think the interviewer wants you to be. But the first tip for calming your interview nerves is to be yourself. Remember, an interview is just a conversation. Treat it as an opportunity to connect with the person across the table and showcase your skills and personality. 

Speak at your natural pace, breathe normally, and show enthusiasm for the work you’re discussing. Incorporate personal anecdotes into your answers to make them more engaging and memorable. When you are authentic, you’re not just a candidate with a list of qualifications but a real person with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to share. 

It invites a natural and confident flow to the conversation, helping you connect with your interviewer on a human level. So let your quirks become your charm, your passions your fuel, and your authenticity your armour against those nerve-wracking moments. The most compelling candidate you can be is, quite simply, yourself!

Also, a pro tip – It’s always a plus to have an authentic and creative resume! And the best way to do that is by creating your digital profile containing your skills, certificates, video referrals, and social media ‘clickable’ links to let recruiters see the complete you. 

You can explore some next-gen job apps like JollyHires that let you create your 360° Digital Profile and even profile card, boosting your networking, job search, and confidence like none other. 

 

Do your homework and come prepared!

Always research and learn about the company before appearing for a job interview. Explore their website, social media profiles, recent news articles or press releases, and the latest trends in their industry.

Researching the company isn’t just a box to check; it’s a strategic imperative. It tells the interviewer that you’ve invested time and energy in understanding their business, its values, and its unique challenges. Furthermore, research arms you with insights that can be strategically woven into your responses. Company research also empowers you to ask insightful questions.

Most importantly, thorough research helps you make an informed decision. It allows you to evaluate whether the company aligns with your career aspirations and values. Remember, understanding the company’s past and present helps you envision your future with them.

Some job apps online let you follow companies, so you can keep updated with any latest job information they put forth. This way, you can follow their digital profiles, track those companies whose values and culture fit you well and easily apply when a suitable job opportunity comes. 

 

Dress Confidently and bring your Best Performance

One of the best ways to combat interview nerves is by ensuring you’re in a good physical and mental state. Stay hydrated, but avoid excessive liquid intake to prevent mid-interview restroom breaks. Have a light snack before the interview to keep your energy levels up. Dress appropriately for the role you’re applying for, as dressing well makes you more likely to feel good and project confidence. 

Additionally, arriving early at the interview location gives you time to collect your thoughts and get comfortable with the environment. Rushing to the interview can increase stress levels.  

We understand that keeping track of interview schedules can be challenging, especially when applying for multiple opportunities. However, job apps like JollyHires with integrated interview trackers have simplified the process tremendously. 

With a clear overview of upcoming interviews and timely reminders, they ensure that remembering your interview schedule is the last thing you have to worry about. They let you chat with HR directly and fix an interview date that suits your interview calendar. 

 

Always keep some questions for the end!

In the closing moments of an interview, a pivotal opportunity that often goes underutilized but holds immense significance is- asking questions. After all, there always is that moment during an interview when the interviewer asks you, “Do you have any questions for us?” Be prepared to ask something that shows you’re engaged and interested.

Asking questions can provide clarity on crucial aspects of the role, such as expectations, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. Furthermore, thoughtful questions can set you apart from other candidates. They reveal your strategic thinking, curiosity, and the depth of your engagement, leaving a positive image of your candidacy in the interviewers’ minds.

 

Try mock interviews to get feedback

Consider doing mock interviews with friends, family members, or career counsellors. Mock interviews cultivate a space for experimentation, allowing you to test different strategies and approaches. They offer a unique opportunity to receive constructive feedback and help you improve.

Through these collaborative exercises, you can refine your responses, perfect your body language, and enhance your interview demeanour.

Some job apps allow recruiters to send “screening” Questions/rounds to candidates before the interview. Attempting the screening questions can help you quickly identify whether you meet the basic requirements for a job and whether the position aligns with your skills and preferences. This saves time by preventing candidates from applying to positions for which they are not a good fit and helps them focus better on relevant opportunities. Also, those who take the time to carefully respond to screening questions can stand out from the competition and perform well in the interviews. 

 

You’ve got this!

So, don’t let interview nerves steal your spotlight any longer. Armed with these five tips, you’ll be well-equipped to shine in your interview journey, one confident step at a time!