How to Deal with Interview Anxiety

Posted by Fed Finance Canada in Our employment advice
Posted at 22/11/2021

During a job interview, it’s vital to manage your stress in order to make a good impression and keep the meeting flowing smoothly.

Most people get nervous during job interviews, but some are particularly affected by interview anxiety. Common symptoms include clammy hands, memory lapses, and difficulty organizing your thoughts and expressing yourself, all of which can leave your recruiter with a negative impression. However, your nerves can work for you if you know how to wield them to your advantage.

Our recruiters know all of the tricks to help candidates who are looking for finance and accounting jobs. Here are a few tips to help you manage your nerves before and during a job interview.

8 tips for managing your stress before a job interview

1. Remember that interview anxiety is normal

Stress can affect anyone, even the most qualified candidates and those who seem perfect for the job.

Being nervous before an interview makes sense—it can change the course of your whole life, particularly if it’s a job you’ve always dreamed of. The stakes are very high: you could earn a higher salary, improve your quality of life and build a better future for yourself, both personally and professionally.

If you’re feeling stressed before an interview, remember that it’s normal and you’re not alone.

2. Think of the job interview as a discussion between equals

Try not to think of a job interview as someone judging you from on high. Job interviews and employer-employee relationships are a two-way street. The interview isn’t just about the recruiter assessing your potential—it’s also your opportunity to determine whether the employer is the right fit for you. Coming to interviews from this perspective can help you view them as less of an interrogation and more of a discussion.

3. Be well-prepared for the interview

A great way to stand out during an interview is to learn about your potential employer, including the duties and responsibilities you might have if you get the job.

Find out as much as you can about the company’s culture, and if you know someone who works there, ask them for information.

The better prepared you are for the interview, the more confident you will be.

4. Prepare answers to common questions

There are certain questions that recruiters commonly use to get to know candidates in a job interview. For example, there is a good chance that your interviewer will ask you to describe your previous work experience and the reason why you are applying[SB1] for the job. Read our article “How to Describe Yourself during a Job Interview“ for more information on how to answer these questions.

We recommend preparing your answers in advance. Repeating them out loud in front of a mirror can help you reduce your anxiety before the interview.

5. Try to get a good night’s sleep before your interview

It may sound simple, but it’s essential to be well rested in order to keep a clear head and express yourself well during the interview.

6. Take a few minutes to breathe and meditate

Controlling your breathing can be a very helpful tool when you are experiencing tension and anxiety. If you can, take 2 minutes before going into the interview to do a few calming breathing exercises that will help you clear your mind.

7. Exercise before the interview

Science has proven that physical activity can be very good for relieving stress. Try going to the gym, taking a yoga class or going for a run the day before or the morning of your interview to help you relax.

8. Picture success

Thinking positive can make a huge difference. Picture yourself answering all of the interview questions well and being offered the job at the end to boost your confidence.

4 tips for managing your stress during a job interview

1. Admit that you’re nervous

If you’re focusing on trying to hide your nerves, you won’t be able to give your full attention to the interview. Furthermore, trying desperately to hide your anxiety can end up stressing you out even more. Let your recruiter know you’re nervous, and they will usually do their best to put you at ease.

2. Have good posture and a positive attitude

Your body language in an interview is no less important than what you say. Smile, sit up straight and do your best to appear confident and calm. This will help demonstrate to your prospective employer that you have a positive attitude.

The fact that you landed the interview means that you have something they’re looking for, so take that confidence with you and show them that you are the right person for the job.

3. Take the time you need to answer the questions

Don’t panic if you can’t think of an answer to an interview question right away. If you find the question challenging, you are allowed to take a few seconds to think about it. Of course, it’s not a good idea to take too long to answer, but it’s better to pause than to give the wrong answer or fall into a trap.

4. Use your research to your advantage

During the interview, try to naturally mention some of the information you collected about the company beforehand. It’s always good for the recruiter to see that you know a bit about the company’s activities and values. It demonstrates your interest in the position and the effort you put into doing research for the interview, which employers always appreciate.

Need help from recruitment experts?

Preparation is a great way to reduce your interview anxiety, but it’s not the only option. If you feel like you need a little extra support to handle the stress of the job search, why not get help from a recruitment specialist? The recruiters at Fed Finance provide personalized advice and support to give you the best chance of success.