Fear No Interview 3 Steps to Overcoming Job Interview Anxiety

Fear No Interview 3 Steps to Overcoming Job Interview AnxietyFear No Interview 3 Steps to Overcoming Job Interview AnxietyJob interviews are one of the most anxiety-producing parts of the job search. In fact, research from Everest College found that almost all Americans (92% of those surveyed) are afraid of at least one part of interviewing for a new position.The study revealed that different demographic groups feel stressed out about specific parts of the interview process- for example, younger job seekers are mora nervous than mora seasoned candidates about making a bad first impression, and women are mora concerned than men about managing their nerves and being unable to answer an interview question.But regardless of age or gender, the fact is that practically everyone can benefit from learning to overcome job interview anxiety.This three-step plan will help even the most nervous job seeker move beyond job interview anxiety and perform at his or her best when under interview press ure1. Tend to the details.The best way to avoid making a bad first impression is to take steps to ensure that youll make a good one. While you may spend most of your interview prep time on QA practice (which, as youll see below, is certainly important), you dont want to neglect preparing for the more basic elements of the interview process.Figuring out advance logistics and timing for your arrival at the interview venue, for example, is critical to your candidacy.Dont underestimate how long it could take to navigate on foot from the parking lot of a large corporation, for example, up elevators to the reception desk. If possible, visit the location in advance so that you wont get turned around trying to find the right building or office.For a remote interview, test all of your equipment beforehand. Download any video software needed, and do a run-through so you feel confident using the program. Consider the quality of your webcam and microphone. Pay attention to the view behind you- is it messy? Will anyone in the house potentially interrupt you? Get everything in order before the interview.2. Practice nerve management.Practicing various interview scenarios with someone you trust can go a long way toward easing your mind about your interview. Familiarizing yourself with the process of QA- for example, identifying areas of your resume that you want to highlight in describing your qualifications for a specific position- before youre sitting in the real hot seat will help you feel more comfortable and less on edge.In addition to managing your nerves through practice, you can also coach yourself to become aware of when youre feeling stressed, so that you can bring yourself back down. Taking three deep breaths before your interview- and continuing to focus on your breathing as a centering tool if you feel yourself spiraling into worry- can make a big difference.3. Know what you want to say.In addition to getting comfy with the interview format so that it doesnt inti midate you, it helps to decide in advance the types of answers that youll give to specific key questions. Have a friend or family member quiz you on different tough types of common questions, so that you can decide how youd like to respond while in a safe setting with low stakes. The goal here is to be proactive in determining what you believe the hiring managers will want to hear.As part of your prep to say the right thing, its important to learn everything you can about the organization where youre interviewing. Use online articles, the corporate website, and the firms social media sites to understand the company. Then work backward from the information you know, in order to prepare some smart statements about your company knowledge that will impress the hiring committee.In the end, these three steps come down to preparation and practice. Knowing where youre going, what to expect from the interview process, and what you plan to say once you get there can result in you morphing fro m a nervous wreck to a fearless candidateLooking for more tips on the job interview process? Check out our job interviewing tips category