How to Overcome Pre-interview Anxiety

January 16 2023 TalktoAngel 0 comments 1676 Views

The fear of interviews is fairly common. Talking about yourself, meeting people in leadership roles, and being judged and appraised on your appearance, demeanor, and ability to sell yourself can all cause anxiety and stress. However, there are techniques you may use to calm your anxiety before an interview. They apply to both in-person interviews and video calls.

In the days and hours leading up to an interview, take an active approach to preparation and stress management. Even though obtaining complete calm could be difficult, it will make you feel better to try to deal with your anxiety. Seek Online Counselling with the best “Psychologist near me”, for learning and coping with pre-interview fear or anxiety. According to Prof (Dr) R K Suri, leading Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach, “The secret of acing an Interview is to stop believing in luck, but start believing in yourself, with a growth mindset to be a winner”.Some of the tips suggested by top-rated psychologists and life coaches are:

1. Practice Self Care

Taking good care of your body will help you feel more relaxed and relieve nervous energy. Get enough rest, avoid caffeine, and engage in regular exercise. Maintaining good health is crucial while dealing with potentially stressful situations.

2. Visualize Success

Close your eyes, go somewhere peaceful where you won't be bothered, and imagine yourself getting the job. Success visualization is more than just optimistic thinking. When carried out properly, it primes your brain to respond in a particular way. Elite athletes employ this method to boost performance before competitions.

3. Do your Research

Research is an effective anxiety reducer. Find as much as you can about the prospective company before the interview, and practice your responses to typical inquiries. You will feel more at ease, capable, and confident throughout the interview if you put in every effort to prepare.

Reduce pressures that have nothing to do with how well you performed during the interview, such as wearing uncomfortable attire, getting lost, or being late. Choose an outfit that fits well and one you like well in advance. If the interview site is unfamiliar to you, allow plenty of time to get there or do practice runs there a few days beforehand, taking into account traffic conditions at the time you'll be leaving.

Make sure you've downloaded the necessary apps if your interview will be on a video platform. Make sure all of your technology, including your webcam, microphone, and headphones, is in working order in advance.

4. Be Prepared

A well-prepared interviewee has the upper hand right away. Additionally, being well-prepared will boost confidence and lessen interview jitters. Bring anything you could need for a face-to-face interview, including:

Resume
Cover letter
Business cards
References
Licenses
Certifications
Pen and notepad

It's common to experience anxiety during an interview, regardless of how much preparation you put into it. If your nervousness starts to rise during your interview with potential employers, try these strategies.

5. Avoid Giving In to Pressure

You might occasionally be subjected to a stress management interview when you are grilled. It could be alluring to fall into a cycle of unfavorable automatic thought patterns, such as "They know I can't manage this work; I should never have applied" or "They don't like me; I'll never get the job."

Stop. If you ever find yourself in this circumstance, be aware of the interviewer's objectives and resist the need to become upset. Recognize that the other applicants were treated similarly and that it is not a reflection on you or your abilities.

6. Ask the interviewer questions

You have the opportunity to assess a potential employer during interviews.

Just as they choose if they want you to work for them, you also choose whether you want to work for them. Put yourself in this mindset and check to see if your attention wanders. Inquire about how the business might fit with your career objectives and aspirations by asking questions that demonstrate your interest.

7. Discharge tense energy

Even when you believe you have your anxiety firmly under control; it still manages to sneak out. If you feel yourself fidgeting, try anything to calm down that won't be as obvious, like wriggling your toes or gently relaxing your muscles. You might also try taking a few long breaths (either before the interview or during the interview when you are not speaking but instead listening to the interviewer).

8. Have patience

You are not compelled to reply to questions immediately. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. If you are worried about forgetting important information during interviews, take notes as your interviewer speaks. This diverts attention away from you and makes it possible for you to check your notes after a question is asked. If your mind goes blank, just keep writing while asking for some time to collect your thoughts.

It's fairly typical to experience anxiety before and during a job interview. The majority of people experience it. But you can control that anxiousness with the aid of these techniques.

It may be that you need more assistance than self-help if anxiety is making it difficult for you to handle social situations like job interviews or other social engagements. As a form of therapy, this might comprise counseling or anti-anxiety medication after having an online consultation with the “best psychiatrist near me”. To discuss your symptoms and develop a strategy that will work for you, speak with an Online Counsellor or the Best psychologist in India at TalktoAngel Asia’s No. 1 Online Counselling and mental health platform.