Apologizing for Being Nervous in an Interview: Is It a Good Idea?

It might be your first interview, or maybe you've lost count of how many you've had by now. Feeling nervous in a job interview happens to professionals at all levels, especially when that job opportunity means so much to you. Perhaps your nerves showed more than you would have liked, and you’re left with the feeling that the interviewer noticed. 

Is it OK to admit you are nervous at an interview? Or could that vulnerability affect your professional image? Let’s explore what experts have to say about managing this situation, and whether it’s really necessary to apologize for it.

Understanding job interview anxiety

It’s no secret that job interviews can bring up feelings of anxiety. Dr. Noah Kass, a licensed psychotherapist, explains that many people doubt their qualifications and fear they’re not capable of doing the job they’re interviewing for. This is known as imposter syndrome, where you feel like a fraud, attributing your success to luck or external factors instead of your own abilities. As a result, you may not fully acknowledge your accomplishments.

“The fear of the unknown in a job interview—high-stakes uncertainty—can create significant stress,” Dr. Kass says. “It makes us imagine extreme scenarios, which only increases the anxiety.” The pressure to secure a job, especially for practical reasons like financial stability, can also lead to applying for roles that don’t match our skills. 

“These often become situations where candidates either overcompensate by trying too hard or retreat out of fear or insecurity,” he says.

Does anxiety affect your performance?

If you get nervous during a job interview, your body may show signs like heavy sweating, clamminess, restlessness, nervous tics, and trembling. There may also be awkward pauses in the conversation and difficulty maintaining eye contact. Yes, this can impact your performance. 

“Interviewers might interpret this as the interviewee lacking confidence or being unprepared,” Dr. Kass says. “An anxious candidate may struggle to adapt to the direction of the conversation, relying too much on rehearsed answers or sticking rigidly to their script.”

Do interviewers expect you to be nervous? 

While it’s common for people to feel anxious during interviews, not every interviewer will have the level of empathy required to overlook it. “This depends on the temperament and skill of the interviewer,” says Muse career coach Yolanda M. Owens. “A good interviewer will recognize when an individual is nervous and try to make them feel comfortable through a little small talk before the interview begins.” 

Either way, it’s not your nerves themselves that will affect your chances, but how you manage them. “Interviewers may use your nerves as a way to gauge how you handle stress,” Owens says.

Apologizing for being nervous in an interview: Is it the right move?

Many candidates wonder if acknowledging their anxiety will hurt their chances. Do recruiters care if you're nervous during an interview? Should you apologize for it? 

Embrace your nerves without saying sorry

“It’s always better to own a situation than ignore it,” Owens says. If your anxiety is affecting your speech or making it difficult to focus, it’s OK to acknowledge it briefly. Try saying something like, “I’m really excited about this opportunity, so forgive me if I seem a little nervous.”

If your nerves are manageable, focus on the interview and avoid unnecessarily drawing attention to them. “We’re biased,” Dr. Kass says. “We don’t actually know how others interpret our anxiety.” Instead, channel your nervous energy into enthusiasm. Expressing excitement about the role can humanize you without overemphasizing your anxiety.

How to manage nervousness during the interview

While some level of anxiety is normal, using effective strategies can help you stay calm and focused. Here are a few techniques shared by Owens that can make a significant difference in how you handle nerves and perform during your interview.

1. Set the tone with small talk

Start with two to three minutes of casual conversation to break the ice. Research the interviewer’s background on LinkedIn or Google and find common ground to make the conversation feel more natural. By the time you get to the real questions, you’ll be more relaxed.

2. Act like you’re already on the job

Interact as if you’re already in the role, rather than treating the conversation like an interview. This approach helps you feel more comfortable and allows the interviewer to see what working with you would be like on a daily basis.

3. Take pauses to gather your thoughts

Don’t rush to answer right away. Take a brief pause to organize your thoughts, and focus on being genuine rather than overthinking your responses. Authenticity is more valuable than perfection in an interview.

4. Focus on the process, not the “right” answer

Interviewers aren’t looking for perfect answers, but rather insight into your problem-solving, communication style, and fit for the company. Walk the interviewer through your thought process, and don't be afraid to make mistakes or show how you tackle challenges.

What to do after the interview

Owens says sending a thank-you note after the interview is always a good move, regardless of how you feel the interview went. “You have no control over someone else’s perception of you,” she says. “However, you can control how you demonstrate your maturity and gratitude for someone’s time and attention with a thoughtful thank-you note.”

You could write something like, “I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the company. I believe my skills in [specific area] would be a great fit for your team, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your success.” This approach highlights your enthusiasm and qualifications while leaving out any mention of your nerves.

Navigating anxiety in future interviews

Feeling nervous in a job interview is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to affect your chances of success. By acknowledging your anxiety without apologizing, you demonstrate self-awareness and control. Small actions, like engaging in casual conversation or taking pauses to gather your thoughts, can help ease the tension.

Preparation is key—knowing the company and the role, practicing responses, and focusing on your strengths will boost your confidence. Remember, interviewers are less concerned with perfect answers and more interested in how you handle stress and communicate under pressure.

With the right strategies and mindset, you can turn your nervousness into a positive asset and leave a lasting impression.