Ease Pre-Interview Nerves By Doing These

Candidates rarely know what to expect when they walk into a job interview, and this uncertainty can cause stress and anxiety leading up to the big day. You want the interviewer to see you as calm, collected and confident, so there's no room for jitters. Consider these six tips to ease your nerves before you go to that all-important job interview.

1. Practice Until It's Perfect

Look up some common interview questions, and anticipate your answers. Ask a friend or family member to help you prepare, and set up a mock job interview so you can get honest feedback on your responses. Set up a camera to record yourself, or practice talking in front of a mirror. Pay close attention to your body language to ensure you appear relaxed.

2. Do Your Research

Do some digging to find out as much as you can about the potential employer. Skim news articles to discover the latest happenings, and peruse the company's website to learn about the organization's values. Sharing company information during the interview lets you sell yourself in a way that impresses the hiring manager.

3. Know Your Route

Look up the directions to the job interview location well in advance, and check the weather forecast to anticipate slippery conditions. Whether you're driving, catching a bus or taking the train, consider a practice run the day before your interview so you know how much time to allow for traffic.

4. Expect the Unexpected

Don't assume anything to be true about your interview; always expect that circumstances can change. Keep in mind that a one-on-one interview could become a panel interview, or an interviewer may be running late and unable to start on time. Being unshaken by these hiccups shows that you're adaptable.

5. Exercise

Try to get a good in a good workout about 12 to 24 hours before your interview. This helps improve your mood and concentration. If you're feeling stressed the morning of the interview, get your blood pumping by doing some jumping jacks or walking up and down a flight of stairs.

6. Get Plenty of Rest

Make sure you're well-rested on the morning of your interview. Avoid going out or drinking the night prior, and don't stay up too late. A job candidate who shows up with dark circles under her eyes and yawns after every question does not present a good first impression. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for the interview.

Most hiring managers expect candidates to be slightly nervous for job interviews, but you don't want your anxiety to get in the way of presenting your skills and experience. Make a great first impression and ease your nerves by following these six job interview prep tips.

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