5 Simple Ways to Help Anxiety Before and During a Job Interview

Beads of sweat drip down your face, and your hand has a little tremble. You’re not sick with some flu bug or seasonal cold. No, you’re feeling the tension of the upcoming job interview. It’s normal to experience this type of anxiety, but that doesn’t make it any more tolerable.

Here are five simple ways to help anxiety before and during a job interview.

1. Be Prepared: Being prepared is more than just the Boy Scouts’ slogan. One of the biggest factors that can cause anxiety is feeling unprepared. While you may never know every question that your interviewer will ask, you can prepare yourself by rehearsing answers to some of the most common interview questions.Before your interview, familiarize yourself with the company, research common interview questions for your field, and have a mock interview with a friend, therapist, or even in front of a mirror.

2. Have a Cheat Sheet: Sometimes nerves can make your mind go blank, and you forget the answers to some of the most basic questions. It’s for this reason that it’s helpful to have your resume, cover letter, and some additional notes with you during the interview.Write down bullet points of information that might be helpful to you based on the mock interview, such as start and end dates for your previous jobs and any relevant work experience that isn’t stated on your resume.

3. Remember, It’s Just a Conversation: Most interviewers have the goal of simply getting to know you. And just like in any conversation, you can interview them too. Prepare two or three questions you may want to ask the interviewer. This will let them know that you have put some thought into the job position and that you are trying to make an authentic connection with them.
   
   Avoid asking about wages and benefits at the first interview, as that type of information should be available on the job listing or can be sorted out in later communication. Ask about the work environment or what the company’s goals are for the next five years. By asking questions of your interviewer, you are also setting yourself on equal ground with them, showing them that you know your worth.
4. Pause When Appropriate: Don’t feel rushed to answer. Pause after they ask you a question. Not only will this give you time to breathe and think through your answer, but it will give them the impression that you are contemplating their question to give them a thorough and thoughtful answer.

5. Mentally Unwind Just Before the Interview: Once you have prepared yourself, take a break. Listen to a funny podcast on the way to the interview or remind yourself of a humorous moment in your life. Walk into the interview with a genuine smile on your face; this will help you seem more approachable and friendly.

Pray as You Learn Ways to Help Anxiety

While you may feel that you are interviewing for your dream job, only God truly knows what is best for you. Pray and lean on your faith in His wisdom and guidance as you interview. Pray for clarity and favor, knowing that if this position is the right fit for you and the company, the Lord will help you find your way.