Feeling those pre-interview jitters?
Totally normal! A whopping 93% of candidates experience anxiety before an interview, so you're definitely not alone.
Luckily, Moxie have some top tips to help calm those nerves and boost your confidence.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tells us it's not a situation itself but how we perceive it that causes anxiety.
So, we recommend starting with identifying any negative thoughts like, "I’m not experienced enough for this role," and challenge them with the facts: "I have valuable experience from my time working at X."
Remember, the employer wouldn’t have called you for an interview – ahead of scores, or even hundreds of other candidates - if they didn’t see potential in you. You’ve already passed a tough hurdle!
Knowing the company's history, values, and the job description will make you feel more confident.
When you feel nervous, everything seems tough and forbidding. It’s tempting to see your interviewer, for example, as a heartless examiner who’d like nothing more than to catch you out.
Injecting some perspective here can help calm you down. Remember that your interviewer is just another human, like you.
Also, it’s in their interest to build rapport with you and get you to show yourself in your best light because they have a vacancy to fill, after all, and are doubtless judged on the quality of their hires. They will be used to seeing people feeling nervous too, and keen to put you at ease.
It’s also important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Of course, you really want this job, but bear in mind that if you don’t get this job, it is emphatically not the end of the world. There are other jobs out there – and actually, by not caring excessively about the role, you have a better chance of performing better at the interview.
Psychologists and therapists remind us that the language we use to talk to ourselves can have a powerful effect on our beliefs and actions.
So, try reframing unhelpful thoughts into more constructive ones – we think you'll be surprised as the impact it can have!
When we get stressed, our breathing patterns change: our breath gets shallower, quicker and our hearts begin to race.
There are many breathing techniques out there that can help to combat this and calm you down.
One of the simplest centres on ‘slow breathing’: breathe in normally but focus on exhaling slowly and steadily until your lungs are completely empty. Extending your exhalation will naturally deepen your inhalation. Keep doing this for a few minutes until you feel more relaxed.
Skip the last-minute cramming! Do something fun and relaxing instead.
Laughter can reduce levels of stress hormones and anxiety so meet up with a fun friend who always takes your mind off things or watch an undemanding movie that always puts you in a good mood.
If you prefer some alone time, read a book or take a soothing bath. Avoid caffeine and aim for a good night’s sleep.
Give these tips a try, and you might be surprised at how much they help. Good luck – you’ve got this!
