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52 Comments
Kim Allcott
Business Development Director
103
01/19/21 at 7:53PM UTC
I've never been able to shake the anxious feeling, but I have noticed that as long as it's not too strong, it can actually help performance in interviews - the adrenaline helps me think faster and possibly even more creatively. Have you tried spending time before the interview picturing yourself being confident and assured? That can help. Also, remember that almost everyone is anxious before an interview, and that potential employers worth working for are understanding of candidates' nerves. Being certain that you've thoroughly prepared can help, but it sounds like you're on top of that anyway.
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Anonymous
01/30/21 at 1:12AM UTC
Will definitely do the visualization before hand of being confident & assured1
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Monique Johnson, Ed.D.Career Strategist and Principal DEI Consultant
155
01/19/21 at 8:24PM UTC
You've already received some great feedback. I'm a firm believer practice and preparation boosts confidence. Knowing how you will respond to behavior based questions and processing examples can't hurt but that doesn't sound like your issue. Positive affirmations and positive self talk always helps me. As mentioned above, visualization makes a difference. I do everything I can to decrease anxiety which is fairly normal before an interview. Focus on relaxing your mind with good thoughts and breathe.
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Denise Perreira
115
01/30/21 at 1:13AM UTC
great advice!
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Meredith SwainSVP, Talent & Learning Leader in NYC
59
01/19/21 at 8:34PM UTC
Power Posing! Here's a quick video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4ACeoqEjeA) that talks about power posing, but Amy Cuddy has done tons of research on how a few poses can help people navigate very stressful situations - like job interviews. I use power posing before big meetings and/or interviews myself and find that it really does help.
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LISA TROUP
27
01/19/21 at 8:45PM UTC
I agree with what everyone said above. Practice definitely helps. Another solid piece of advice that I have received is that anxious feelings are actually perceived the same in your body as excited feelings. It helps me to shake a bit of anxiety by knowing that its actually just excitement!
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Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
4.16k
01/19/21 at 9:51PM UTC
I agree with this 100%. Trying to go from anxious to calm isn't realistic and makes you more anxious. If you rename the emotion from anxious to excited, the high energy can be used to your advantage.
Another great trick is the tense and release. Right before the interview, tense your entire body, hold it for 3-5 seconds and release. Do this three times, it actually releases tensions and relaxes the body!
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Anonymous
01/30/21 at 1:10AM UTC
I like that, excited vs anxious!!
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Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
4.16k
01/30/21 at 11:38AM UTC
It's the same heightened feeling in our body and by renaming it we can have it work for us instead of against us!
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Rachel Noll JamesFilmmaker. Storyteller.
34
01/19/21 at 8:50PM UTC
Rescue remedy lozenges are a great way to calm your nervous system along with breathing and moving your body to keep the blood flowing before you get going. Also love power posing.
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Anonymous
01/19/21 at 8:57PM UTC
Take deep breaths, do some movement exercises, say some gratitude or affirmation statements. I find the hardest part of Zoom interviews (or in-person) is the few minutes prior to the interview, so affirmations or gratitude recitation helps me a lot.
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Anonymous
01/30/21 at 1:09AM UTC
Gret advice! Thank you!
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Jesika BabylonSwiss Army Knife of Entrepreneurship
127
01/19/21 at 8:59PM UTC
Definitely great advice here, and I think practice makes perfect however, I have known some stellar people with incredible skills who feel like they can't sell themselves. Oh wait, I'm one of them! I used to have anxiety about speaking about myself but my trick was (no, not imagining everyone naked) to pretend I was someone else selling my value and worth to a company or group of people (doing workshops and live shows). It was easier to be "on stage" when I was inhabiting a character. So find someone you admire, with great poise and presence, Michelle Obama, perhaps, and say WWMD (What Would Michelle Do) as you are going in :) They do say "fake it til you make it" is a fair strategy so...dig in!
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Priyanka Pakki
200
01/20/21 at 1:39PM UTC
I cannot sell myself either :) Thank you for the advise.
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Lisa Welker-FinneyBE BOLD! BE BRAVE!
55
01/19/21 at 9:28PM UTC
Anxiety is a natural occurrence - the question is does it stop you from being the very best you can be in an interview? I have found that coaching people to own the first 30-40 seconds of the interaction helps you settle in quickly. In practice this means, practice your opening lines, sounds like you do your research which makes this easier..."It is great to meet you, I am looking forward to speaking about your opening and your success in the company...." Also, on Zoom clasp your hands where they can't be seen - feel free to squeeze them and channel the anxiety there - as soon as it passes and you feel comfortable release that grip and the anxiety with it as you have open and relaxed hands. Hope these and all the other good feedback tips everyone shared here helps.
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Anonymous
01/30/21 at 1:08AM UTC
I like this approach, will definitely try it next interview!
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Lisa Welker-FinneyBE BOLD! BE BRAVE!
55
01/30/21 at 4:38AM UTC
Good luck, you have this!
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Kimberly MoonClinical Research Professional
127
01/19/21 at 9:35PM UTC
I approach every interview with two things: preparedness and curiosity. It sounds like you definitely have the first part covered! You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Remembering that always helps me. They need to impress me!
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meggonjinninsurance product and professional violinist
103
01/19/21 at 9:50PM UTC
I'm a professional violinist on the side, and we perform constantly. (And what is a job interview but a performance!) You get nervous before every performance--it is human and natural, and a gift because the adrenaline will make you think faster and be more excited. But you have to manage it too, and musicians do it via breathing. We breath to communicate with other musicians but also have a plan throughout the performance to take a deep breath periodically. I will even mark it in my music with a comma, when I plan to breath. So, make a plan--breath before you start the interview, before you start each question, whatever works for you. And if you feel yourself getting nervous in the middle of the interview, just remind yourself to take a deep breath again. This will slow down your heartrate, send oxygen to your brain, and make you smarter, less nervous, and a better performer/interviewer!
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Anonymous
01/20/21 at 7:33PM UTC
This is amazing......your plan to breathe is genius! I just learned something from your beautiful explanation. I will now note my plan to breathe with a comma as well. Thank you so much for that inspiring insight!
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Andrea GanskyEarly Childhood Professional
20
01/19/21 at 9:54PM UTC
Anxiety is your friend in interviews! It keeps you thinking quickly. I think if you go in with the idea that "what is for you will not pass you by", you will feel better. If they don't like you for who you truly are, you're better off at a different company!
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Yamila RodriguezHuman Rights & Children´s Rights Expert.
158
01/19/21 at 10:05PM UTC
Breath calmly, be mindful of your body position and picture yourself in a powerful way. That always helps me for the minutes before any stressful event. However, as they’ve told you before, anxiety is your best friend when it comes to focus and thinking fast. Good luck!
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Nina O
55
01/19/21 at 10:06PM UTC
I would recommend applying for multiple interviews, including jobs that are in your wheelhouse but don't seem to be your ideal, and take each interview. When the pressure is lowered bc the job is not your dream job, it will be easier to perform without the anxiety. This way you get your real world practice in without the pressure.
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Christina StricklandVice President, Crackerjack Marketing
105
01/19/21 at 10:11PM UTC
Role playing! Get the person that makes you the *most nervous* and role play the interview with that person. If you can work through that, you'll be aces during the real thing!
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Anonymous
01/19/21 at 10:12PM UTC
Can't really add more to the advice already shared. I go for a quick walk to get some air and calm my nerves. I also smile even on the phone. It seems to shift my energy and communicates my openess and engagement.
Good luck!!!!!! You've got this!
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Alice JohnsonComputer nerd-ish, travel lover, connector
628
01/19/21 at 10:44PM UTC
I don't want to be a downer, but you will probably always be nervous! Give yourself some grace! You are being grilled, getting thrown question after question, you're probably worried about how you're looking and if you're answering well. There is EVERY REASON to be anxious when you know that a job (one that you probably really want) is all riding on what you say. I suggest to lean into that and be compassionate with yourself. Ways to "possibly" lower that is to make sure you're prepared! Spend a decent amount of time going through practice questions. I also suggest taking really deep belly breaths right before, and avoid caffeine right before, instead treat yourself to a cup afterwards.
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Alice JohnsonComputer nerd-ish, travel lover, connector
628
01/19/21 at 10:46PM UTC
I forgot! Also start off with a greeting that makes you comfortable maybe even tell the person or group that you are nervous, which actually might lessen some of the nerves because now they know you're human.
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Stephanie DufnerCommunications professional
126
01/19/21 at 11PM UTC
I believe in two things to help combat or at the very least - reduce - interview anxiety: practice interviewing and research the organization where you want to work. You can get background information on companies through reading Glass Door reviews as well as interviewing current and former employees. Also research the people who are interviewing you on LinkedIn or via Google news articles, if applicable. Lastly, anticipate the types of questions you may be asked. There are links online that provide typical interview questions. Good luck!
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Colleen McGrail
35
01/19/21 at 11:27PM UTC
This is an amazing thread! I have been working for 30 years and have been on both sides of the table/screen ... and I am ALWAYS anxious!! I think that anxiety comes from wanting to show up well and make a great impression. I can't agree enough with being prepared, however works for you (talk to yourself in the mirror, write down your notes and questions, role play with a friend ...). I worked with a Creative Director who I was always amazed at how fluid his presentations were, so comfortable and at ease. I commented to him one day after a presentation about how impressed I am with his ability just to "drop in" and he told me his secret. He practices. A LOT. Hard to find the time to craft responses that don't feel canned, but at least having a list of examples of work or easy go-to's for those behavior based questions, in the STAR format -- it will definitely help.
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Anonymous
01/20/21 at 1:13AM UTC
Practice, practice practice! I write out notes to myself and then practice in the mirror. Also, have questions ready for the interviewer
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SerenaAccount Manager
149
01/20/21 at 1:14AM UTC
I created a personal vision board so I don't lose sight of what I want. It is easy to be nervous and almost shape to what you think you should answer. Keep your eye on YOUR prize and what YOU really want out of the job. That keeps me encouraged to stay true to me and what is important, without compromising or letting my nerves get to me.
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SerenaAccount Manager
149
01/20/21 at 1:14AM UTC
Also the book captivated - great read!
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Randi LevinLegacy catalyst & pivot partner
165
01/20/21 at 12:53PM UTC
Make the interview conversational. Think of it less as an interrogation with right or wrong answers and more as an opportunity to reveal what is unique and interesting about yourself as well as what is interesting and in alignment with you about the job and the company you are interviewing with. Smile and trust in yourself. If you are smiling it is difficult to be fearful at the same time.
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Anonymous
01/20/21 at 1:39PM UTC
If I feel well prepared and confident about the interview, then right before the interview (or anything that causes anxiety, like exams) what I do is not think about it and do something I enjoy - listen to music, meditate, watch short funny videos, anything to take my mind off it and remain calm. I am then in a better state of mind arriving to the interview and it usually carries through the interview.
It also helped my anxiety when I shifted my mindset to recognize that I am interviewing the interviewers as much as they are interviewing me - they are trying to sell me the organization and make me want to work there.
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Patricia ColeChief Communications Officer
37
01/22/21 at 4:31PM UTC
I came here to say just this: I always remind myself that I am interviewing them as well. Can I see myself working with this person, at this organization? Thinking of it this way, in addition to all the amazing advice shared above, shifts the power and helps turn some of that anxiety into excitement and a genuine interest in making sure this is the right fit for me. Some might say it's a bit like a first date that way -- it's just as much up to you whether you see a future and want a "second date". :)
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Cynthia Power
11
01/20/21 at 1:53PM UTC
Look, an interview isn't just about you and your qualifications, it's about the company that you 'might' want to be a part of. The last few interviews I have done have been, for me, a vetting process of if I want to work for 'your' company. My resume is on the table - ask away! You should be confident in your qualifications and accomplishments. You have absolutely NO reason to be afraid. Did you know that your interviewer is as nervous as you are?! Yes, really!! If you feel bullied in an interview situation, ask yourself - do I want to work for these people? Probably not. Don't walk out of an interview (and I see this here sooo much) "I don't know how to tell how well I did." No, walk out of your interview with one three opinions - 1) That went well, 2) eh, we'll see, or 3) That was a train wreck. Send a nice thank you note in any of the instances and know that there's another interview around the bend if it doesn't work out.
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Janice EnochAssociate Director
79
01/20/21 at 1:56PM UTC
I LOVE this post, lots of good advice! To deal with anxiety before an interview take deep breaths, avoid caffeine, exercise the day before and make sure you get plenty of rest.
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Anonymous
01/20/21 at 1:57PM UTC
I am not an HR expert, but once I had a job interview for a math teacher position. I have held some other teaching positions in the past. But this particular position was located in a part of town is not in a good neighborhood and is rather far. The principal was not really friendly and kind of distant.
In addition to the interview itself, I would have had to take a math exam as well.
Needless to say, I just cancelled the job interview. But I never heard back from the principal to confirm the cancellation either.
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Mireya WirtzEnthusiastic HR Leader in Kansas!
23
01/20/21 at 2:47PM UTC
Hello everyone, I really appreciate all this great advice, I want to add something fun, listen if you can, listen to "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers. Think about the words and it does put you in a great mood, it lifts your spirits and your confidence goes through the roof! I am sure you will nail that interview. All the best!!!
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Maree FrakesProgram Management Professional in NYC
47
01/20/21 at 3PM UTC
I totally agree with the feedback to apply to several roles and take several interviews (even ones that may not be your dream job). I find once I've done a few, I get into a groove on how to tell my story and the anxiety/nerves reduces the more interviews I do. In addition to that, I always try to remind myself that I'm interviewing them! Maybe this is a terrible company that I wouldn't want to work for? Maybe the role isn't what I thought it was when I read the job posting? Thinking of it as your own mini-investigation into whether it's right for you takes the power back a bit. All of a sudden the interview doesn't feel so one-way. And that has at least has helped me to feel less nervous.
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Anonymous
01/20/21 at 3:09PM UTC
I think it depends on what you mean by anxiety. There will always be some level of nerves, and a lot of these approaches (deep breathing, practice, journaling, etc.) will be really helpful if you have "normal" nerves. If you have serious anxiety, though, it might be good to schedule something with a therapist or counselor beforehand so that you can walk through the thoughts and reframe your thinking. I think sometimes people say they get anxious when they're nervous, and other times people read anxiety as relatively "normal" nerves.
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Wendy Taylorjob search coach — exec coach — interview coach
52
01/20/21 at 8:33PM UTC
Prepping for interviews involves an inner game and an outer game. The outer game is being prepared to handle questions — that's the piece a lot of people focus on. The inner game address things like anxiety, confidence, executive presence, and the delivery of your answers. Do you have a practice (like yoga, running, meditation, a religious practice) that you try to do most days — and when you do it you are your best you, a better boss, parent, spouse, friend? If you do — make sure you do that the day of the interview. And if the interview is early and you're a night owl, do it the night before, but other than that the morning of is important. It will dampen the jitters and nerves — nothing is more powerful. I'm a diehard baseball fan so this analogy may or may not work if you are not someone who watches/likes baseball — but I like to say each interview question is like a 95 mph fastball that you want to hit out of the park. If you do that practice that calms and grounds you, it will slow the pitch down so you can see the seams of the baseball — and that will allow you to hit it out of the park. Good luck! Let us know how the next one goes. Happy to hop on a call with you, as well.
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Mich.Fr.Personal assistant with 13+ years experience.
150
01/20/21 at 10:47PM UTC
Anxiety is normal. Being nervous about a job interview is normal. You want to make a good impression. You want to land the position. That's a lot of pressure. My honest advice, and I give this to everyone I know, is remember, the people you are interviewing are just that, people. They do everything you do. Actually, what I say is, everyone poops. When you start to think about people from that perspective, you start to look at them differently, they are suddenly less intimidating. Also, you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. I can't tell you how many interviews I have been on where the position was offered, and I turned it down because it wasn't the right fit for me, or I walked out of the interview saying they can't pay me enough to work there. The more conversational the interview is, the more relaxed you will be, the calmer you will become, and you will land that job! You can't psych yourself out. Walk in confident, knowing you are a strong woman who can have a great conversation, and impress them with the dialogue you are about to have. And if they offer you water, coffee, or tea, accept it. When you start to get nervous, you can take a sip as a break and quick regroup. You got this!
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MoneyCareerMotherhoodSmart financial decisions for work & home
169
01/21/21 at 11:09AM UTC
Great advice here, one thing to add - Visualization! It's different than practice! Actually experience yourself walking into the office, getting through the introductions, doing an awesome job responding to some questions, maybe even visualize yourself recovering when you don't know something. And of course visualize yourself saying goodbye after the interview feeling awesome because you killed it in your interview! Visualization is powerful - look up how professional athletes use it. I promise it will help!
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Anonymous
01/21/21 at 1:50PM UTC
My best advice is to actually practice interviewing. For me, interviewing/speaking got so much easier once I had done it hundreds of times. Research is great. But practice your interviewing skills with someone else can really help. If you have a friend, partner, or anyone who is willing to sit with you and give you feedback on your responses and body language, ask them to help. If you don't have anyone to help at the moment, if you have a camera, record yourself and then watch the video to see where you can improve. This will help you get out jitters before the interview itself.
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Lesa EdwardsTHE career expert for high achievers
763
01/21/21 at 4:05PM UTC
In a word: Practice. Especially with an interview coach - this will ramp up your nerves and allow you a safe space to be successful while also being nervous. Really good confidence builder.
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Krista CouttsMarketing Professional, Cross-Functional Leader
309
01/21/21 at 6:35PM UTC
Deep breaths and a last minute walk with my dog, Bella!
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Nicole FerryPartner in a NY brand and digital firm
18
01/21/21 at 6:54PM UTC
Sometimes it helps to understand that you're in the power position, because you often are. The people interviewing you are likely 1) in desperate need of help -- they want you to be the right person for the job, 2) not particularly skillful interviewers -- few people are, and 3) not as prepared as you are for the interview. It's easy to believe that you're walking into a situation where people are looking to find fault. But they're actually looking harder to find alignment.
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Danielle
52
01/24/21 at 10:53PM UTC
You've taken the most important step, researching the company!!! It can be difficult to calm yourself no matter how prepared you are. If possible, 15 minutes before the interview close your eyes and practice "REALLY DEEP" breathing. Clear your mind and only focus on your breathing. This technique works well in any situation where anxiety wants to take control. Total Game-Changer! Hope this helps!
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Stephanie FSenior HR Manager, Talent Acquisition
147
01/25/21 at 3:42AM UTC
Great advise given from all! For me it’s good to have some anxiety, as it keeps you thinking and on your toes. It’s great that you did your research, so now you can practice your responses to frequently asked interview questions from a quick search.
For me, I have found that being able to relax a little was thinking of every interview as a mock interview so that I don’t feel so much pressure.
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Kristen WavlePrivate School Counselor in Baltimore
86
01/25/21 at 1:25PM UTC
My three pieces of advice: 1) Deep breathing and distracting your mind to something other than the interview while you are waiting to meet with the hiring committee (sudoku, a crossword puzzle, a zentangle) will actually calm your nervous system, helping those physical symptoms of anxiety (butterflies, shallow breathing, sweating) stop (or at least shrink!) 2) Remember that the people interviewing you are just that - people. They have interests, hobbies, personalities, and faults. They probably also get nervous in similar situations. 3) Try to reframe the interview in a way to try and see it as YOUR interview. You really should be using that opportunity to find out more about the organization and whether or not it's a good fit for you. Try to ask questions to see if your interviewers enjoy their jobs and what kind of work/life balance there is.
Best of luck!
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Sarah BartleyFront-end Web Developer & Content Creator
106
01/25/21 at 6:29PM UTC
Affirmations are my secret for interviewing. Besides practicing and preparing for interviews, just repeating a few affirmations before my interview helps me reduce my anxiety.
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