5 Tips On How To Beat Interview Nerves

Shaky legs? Sweaty palms? Stomach churning? Sounds like you’ve got a case of the pre-interview nerves! It’s natural, don’t worry! All of us feel nervous before something as important as a job interview, but here are some simple tips to help you beat the butterflies and keep your nerves at bay.

Get A Night’s Good Sleep

As the saying goes, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’… and preparation can come in the form of sleep, too!

Getting a good night’s rest will ensure you feel refreshed, energetic and confident the next day, which will be crucial for your interview!

There are a few ways to guarantee a better sleep, including taking a hot bath before bed, doing some light meditation, or you can even try the 4-7-8 breathing trick, which will help you fall into a quicker, deeper slumber!

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Ensuring you eat a big, balanced, nutritious breakfast will help your body regulate other hormones, including adrenaline (which is linked to nerves). There are many foods which help reduce anxiety and stress, too!

It means you’ll have energy, you’ll be focused on the interview, and you won’t be distracted by a rumbling stomach during the meeting! By skipping breakfast, or opting for a sugary cereal, you’ll feel a crash in energy and a loss of focus which won’t look great to a potential employer!

Get Some Fresh Air

Going for a walk, even if it’s a short stroll from the station to the interview, will work wonders on your nerves.

The fresh air will clear your mind and calm you down, and the low-intensity exercise will boost your endorphin levels helping you to relax and focus.

Make sure you get your heart rate up enough to release these happy-hormones – they are crucial for feeling calm and happy, and will counteract any negative nerves you may be feeling.

 Avoid Caffeine

Coffee lover? Sorry to tell you, but it’s a big no-no the morning of an interview!

Caffeine is infamous for being an anxiety-inducer, and will only intensify your nerves.

Stick to calming teas like peppermint or chamomile the morning of your interview, and treat yourself to a big, frothy latte on your way home, instead – the incentive will be a great distraction when you’re feeling nervy and the caffeine boost will help with the post-interview come-down!

Take a Deep Breath

You’re outside the door, your interview is about to start. You’ve done all the preparation you can; your elevator pitch is spinning around your mind and you’re trying to recall your best achievement at uni…. TAKE. A. BREATH!

Inhale for 6 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds. This will slow your heart rate and calm you down before you step inside. First impressions are really important! You don’t want to look like a shaky nervous-wreck! Be confident, be calm, and go get that job!!

Good Luck!

Inspiring Interns is a recruitment agency specialising in all the internships and graduate jobs London has to offer.