How can students alleviate their nerves prior to their very first job interview?
You’ve done an excellent job on the cover letter, and now you’ve been invited in for the first interview. In all candour, things are not going to get any more nerve-wracking than this.
It is completely normal to experience nerves and stress in the hours leading up to the interview. However, in order to perform at your best during the interview, you need to take a deep breath and centre yourself.
The prospect of going through with the very first interview is both thrilling and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Students typically experience a great deal of anxiety before their first interview for various reasons, including concerns about whether or not they will be wearing the appropriate attire and worries about the kinds of questions they will be asked during the interview.
The following advice should assist you in calming down and putting an end to the mental chaos that appears to have no end in sight.
Stop Questioning Your Confidence
Put an end to casting doubt on your capabilities. It is completely normal to experience some level of anxiety in the lead-up to your first interview. It doesn’t matter how self-assured a person seems or how confident they sound; when it comes time for an interview, they always feel nervous.
You need to remember that the company has reviewed your curriculum vitae and has chosen to call you for a personal interview.
Out of the big stack of applicants, the company only invited a few for the interview. You have already beaten a number of other applicants using only your CV, so you have every reason to feel confident.
This is your opportunity to make a good impression in person on the interviewer. There is no reason for you to be questioning your confidence when an interviewer has shown interest in your profile. You should not even consider doing so. Don’t hold back!
Practice Positive Self-talk.
Motivate yourself if you’re feeling down and anxious for no good reason. Believe us when we say that you are your own most effective source of motivation. Remind yourself of all the abilities you possess that will help you land this job. Your greatest challenges can be overcome by using positive self-talk as your mantra.
You have to keep reminding yourself of the things that make you great. You have to reassure yourself that you are able to handle everything that is happening. Give yourself an inspiring pep talk, and then affirm to yourself aloud that you will ace this interview.
Gather Relevant Knowledge
You must thoroughly prepare to succeed in the very first interview you have ever earned for yourself. Students frequently find themselves unprepared for interviews because they have been too preoccupied with thinking about or fearing the outcomes of the interviews. This causes them to worry excessively about the interviews.
First, you need to do as much research as possible on the company for which you have an interview and read as much as you can about them.
You are required to do research into the position for which you have applied. When the interviewer begins firing questions in your direction, having this background information comes in handy.
As the old adage goes, knowledge is power, and having this knowledge can help you feel more assured of yourself. In addition, you should research the workplace culture at the company that will be interviewing you.
Exercise the Common Questions Asked at an Interview
During your first job interview, you can probably anticipate being asked a few different kinds of questions. When preparing for an interview, it is always a good idea to start practising basic questions well in advance.
During the course of the interview, this assists you in projecting a very confident and upbeat personality to the hiring manager. When you are well-prepared, you will find that your stress level naturally decreases.
Before going in for an interview, you should familiarize yourself with the following frequently asked questions.
• What are your reasons for wanting this job?
Why should we choose to work with you?
• How do you handle pressure and constructive criticism?
• What made you interested in working for our company in the first place?
Practice with a Family/Friend
It is a smart move to enlist the assistance of your loved ones and close friends in the days leading up to the first interview you will attend. In order to play the role of an interviewer, you should ask a member of your family or a close friend to do so.
Interviewing yourself in this manner will help you figure out what aspects of your performance need the most work. You also have the option of seeking the assistance of a professional interview counsellor.
Make a note of the areas where there is room for improvement, and work on those areas.
You need to be aware of the fact that the actual interview will be a much more stressful experience than the practice interview you had with your family. Therefore, continue practising until you reach a level where you are extremely confident in your abilities and personality.
Listen to the Music
Music has a powerful effect on altering moods. Put on your headphones and immerse yourself in the music you enjoy listening to whenever you find that your thoughts are becoming too anxious about the first interview.
Put all other thoughts out of your head, and let your body and mind enjoy the beats for a while. People respond favourably to a variety of musical styles and genres.
It is imperative that you pay attention to whatever it is that your heart tells you to listen to, regardless of the genre, the lyrics, or the artists. Your mind can be distracted from stressful thoughts by listening to music.
In addition, it has the ability to calm your mood and alleviate mental fatigue. When the next time you find yourself feeling stressed, turn on Spotify.
Take a stroll outside.
Getting some fresh air can help your mind unwind and relax. You need to get out of the restricted areas and into a field where there is plenty of space if you feel excessive stress or anxiety.
Take a walk through a serene setting, such as a park or a nursery, or go for a stroll in an open area. Instead of walking, you could try some of the other physical activities that are available to you.
Meet Your Friends
When it comes to a student, no one knows and comprehends them better than a friend. Call up a close friend and arrange to meet them at the hangout spot of your choice if you feel that the impending interview is causing you to experience excessive anxiety.
Nobody knows more about your potential than the people you spend the most time with. In addition, your best friend is the person most likely to know how to cheer you up when you’re feeling down.
Don’t Force Yourself and Smile
You have to come to terms with the fact that telling yourself over and over to relax will not make your anxious feelings go away. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to maintain a positive outlook.
Anxiety is a natural emotion, and addressing it in a natural way is the best way to deal with it.
Put on a smile: Even if you aren’t completely sincere, you should put on a big, friendly smile. The act of smiling helps to relax the mind and boosts positive feelings.
Get Ample Sleep
You need to get a good night’s sleep the night before the interview. You will feel exhausted and perform poorly in your interviews if you cannot put your thoughts out of your mind and remain awake.
Even if your body does not require rest, you should get plenty of rest before such a significant day because your mind does. A good night’s sleep is essential if you want to give the impression that you are sharp and present throughout the interview.
Eat lightly and in a healthy manner.
You are required to eat a wholesome breakfast that is on the lighter side on the morning of the interview. You do not want to be too full during the interview because it will make you feel uncomfortable.
In addition, unhealthy food can cause you to become sluggish and sleepy.
You should never arrive at an interview feeling hungry. It is impossible to predict how much time an interview will take up in your schedule. As a result, you should treat yourself to a nutritious meal and make the most of each day.
