Learn six effective ways to handle nerves before and during a job interview, and boost your confidence and chances of success.

To manage nerves during an interview, practice relaxation techniques like; on deep, steady breaths to calm yourself. Focus on the present, prepare thoroughly, common questions, and practice your responses. Visualize success and remember that nerves are natural thus can even enhance performance. Lastly, maintain positive mindset, good posture, positive self-talk and see your interviewer as a friendly person to boost your confidence.

Deep breathing won't help unless your entire focus is on your breathe, clearing the mind of all the thoughts. Once you have formatted your mind, you give yourself a refreshing start.

What are the best ways to handle nerves during a job interview?

Nervousness is a natural reaction to a job interview, but it can also affect your performance and impression. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to handle nerves before and during an interview that can boost your confidence and chances of success. In this article, you will learn how to prepare, practice, breathe, focus, reframe, and follow up to overcome your interview anxiety and show your best self.

1 Prepare well

One of the best ways to reduce nerves is to prepare well for the interview. This means researching the company, the role, and the interviewer, and anticipating the questions they might ask. You should also prepare your own questions to show your interest and curiosity. Additionally, you should plan your outfit, your route, and your materials ahead of time, and have a backup plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Preparing well will help you feel more confident and ready for the interview.

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Deepshika 💎

Global Director Human Resource &Strategic Alliance | Driving Innovation in Telecom and BFSI through Summits and Events | Connecting Industry Leaders for Growth Transformation
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It is important -To do mock interviews before interview -Practice loud using STAR Method -Breathing really helps-learn Sudarshan kriya from art of living or do basic breathing exercise -Speak positive affirmations, Visualization -You can also do gratitude dance or do power poses before the interview -Be in the moment

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Binay Bhattacharya

IIT KGP | Humour & Startups | Strategy @ Venwiz
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Having the proper technical understanding of the interview tips is the most essential aspect. Without this, your persona is like a pumping heart without any blood flowing through it.

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Ranju Chauhan

Human Resource | Talent Acquisition | Strategic Hiring
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1. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to avoid the added stress of running late, and use this time to calm your nerves. 2. Imagine yourself succeeding in the interview. Positive visualization can calm nerves and increase confidence. 3. Be confident... 4. Should have a deep understanding for the role applying for, job details and matching/eligibility criteria.

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2 Practice out loud

Another way to handle nerves is to practice out loud your answers to common and behavioral interview questions. You can use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your responses and highlight your skills and achievements. You can also practice with a friend, a mentor, or a coach, and ask for feedback on your content, delivery, and body language. Practicing out loud will help you improve your communication skills, refine your messages, and reduce your uncertainty.

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Binay Bhattacharya

IIT KGP | Humour & Startups | Strategy @ Venwiz
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Having a friend or family member to assess your speaking skills can be a great idea. You are open to your close ones, and therefore, they are comfortable at criticizing you.

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3 Breathe deeply

A simple but effective way to handle nerves is to breathe deeply before and during the interview. Deep breathing can help you calm your nervous system, lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and relax your muscles. You can try different breathing techniques, such as the 4-7-8 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds) or the box method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds). Breathing deeply will help you clear your mind, focus on the present, and cope with stress.

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Binay Bhattacharya

IIT KGP | Humour & Startups | Strategy @ Venwiz
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Deep breathing won't help unless your entire focus is on your breathe, clearing the mind of all the thoughts. Once you have formatted your mind, you give yourself a refreshing start.

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4 Focus on the conversation

Another way to handle nerves is to focus on the conversation rather than on yourself. This means listening actively to the interviewer, showing interest and enthusiasm, and asking relevant and insightful questions. You should also avoid distractions, such as checking your phone, fidgeting, or looking around. Focusing on the conversation will help you build rapport, demonstrate your value, and create a positive impression.

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5 Reframe your thoughts

A powerful way to handle nerves is to reframe your thoughts from negative to positive. This means replacing self-doubt, fear, and criticism with optimism, excitement, and gratitude. You can use affirmations, such as "I am qualified for this job", "I have prepared well for this interview", or "I am grateful for this opportunity", to boost your self-esteem and motivation. You can also use visualization, such as imagining yourself succeeding in the interview, to enhance your performance and outcome. Reframing your thoughts will help you change your perspective, embrace your challenges, and celebrate your strengths.

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6 Follow up promptly

A final way to handle nerves is to follow up promptly after the interview. This means sending a thank-you note to the interviewer, expressing your appreciation, interest, and fit for the role, and highlighting your main points and achievements. You should also ask about the next steps and the timeline, and keep in touch until you receive a response. Following up promptly will help you show your professionalism, courtesy, and enthusiasm, and leave a lasting impression.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Nombeh Ngeh

Security Officer ( 5 yrs experience )
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To manage nerves during an interview, practice relaxation techniques like; on deep, steady breaths to calm yourself. Focus on the present, prepare thoroughly, common questions, and practice your responses. Visualize success and remember that nerves are natural thus can even enhance performance. Lastly, maintain positive mindset, good posture, positive self-talk and see your interviewer as a friendly person to boost your confidence.

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César Salazar

Passionate learner🧠 - Business Developer
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Más de 30 entrevistas en un año. Recién llegaba a un país del cual; No sabía mucho. No entendía la cultura. No tenía una red de contactos. Esto me enseñó un par de cosas: 1) Por más que tengas un plan, nunca va a salir como lo esperas (esto no significa que no debas prepararte) 2) Esperar y aceptar errores. Aunque no lo creamos, esto coloca al cerebro en un estado óptimo para aprender (activa la neuroplasticidad) 3) Siempre habrá otra oportunidad y quizás ese no era el lugar para ti. Una vez aceptes estas 3 variables, es probable que estés en un mejor estado mental.

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What are the best ways to handle nerves during a job interview?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prepare well

2 Practice out loud

3 Breathe deeply

4 Focus on the conversation

5 Reframe your thoughts

6 Follow up promptly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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What are the best ways to handle nerves during a job interview?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prepare well

2 Practice out loud

3 Breathe deeply

4 Focus on the conversation

5 Reframe your thoughts

6 Follow up promptly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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