5 ways to overcome interview nerves

5 Ways to Overcome Interview Nerves

For many of us the prospect of attending an interview fills us with fear, anxiety and dread but this doesn’t have to be the case. In the latest careers article from Go Zambia Jobs we explore 5 ways that you can overcome interview nerves and give yourself the best chance of getting a job in Zambia.

Tip 1.  Nothing to lose

Interviews can stir up a range of emotions. Try to remember that whatever happens during the interview you will come out OK.  You may not be offered this job but you will have learned lots of useful information that will help you get a job in the future. If you don’t attend the interview you will have missed a great learning opportunity. Remember, you have nothing to lose and lots to gain. Worst case scenario, you don’t get the job but at least you’ll have gained vital interview practice and will perform better next time.

Tip 2. Be there to help

Remember that you are at the interview to assist the interviewer and their organisation. The interviewer is looking to employ someone as they require help in a particular area.  Thinking about the interview in other ways (such as an audition or test) can lead to increased feelings of tension and anxiety. Try to change the way you think about interviews. Think about the interview as an opportunity for you to help the employer by showing them the skills and experience that you can offer.

Tip 3. Conquer the fear of the unknown

For many people the biggest cause of interview nerves and anxiety is the fear of the unknown. What is the correct dress code? What questions will the interviewer ask? Do I have the skills and experience required? It is important to note that you can overcome each of these issues by preparing in advance of the interview. Try to obtain information from friends or family members who may have worked at the organisation or for a similar organisation. You could even try asking for interview advice in our Community Forum. Most likely, the answers will be straightforward and with a little preparation you can alleviate the cause of these fears – becoming much more confident in the process. You can also find lots of useful advice in our Career Article Section.

Tip 4. Be an interview athlete

Think of the interview as a football match or an athletics event.  How would a footballer or athlete prepare for a game or race? Most athletes ensure that they get enough rest and eat the right things to give them enough energy to perform.  The evening before your interview try to get a good night’s sleep. On the day of the interview remember to eat properly and consider doing some simple physical exercise such as stretching or walking. Most people don’t realize that physical tension can impair the ability to communicate and that a little exercise can alleviate these problems as well as helping to alleviate stress. Also, try to ensure that you don’t put yourself under any unnecessary pressure (such as rushing to arrive on time or arriving late).

Tip 5. Fly a kite

After the interview reward yourself by doing something that you love. Meet with a friend for a chat, watch the football, fly a kite. The important thing is to do something that you like in order to help you relax and to recharge mentally after the interview. This will also help you to associate the interview process with positive feelings.

Comments

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Further Information

To find more careers articles visit: Careers Advice

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