How to Smooth Your Job Interview Nerves?

We all face many interviews in our career whether it is for a job search or job change. There is always a little fear before the interview that cannot be expressed. But the same can be felt in our heart which is called nervousness.

Sometimes, an increase in heartbeat, murmuring, shivering, repeating words while speaking in the interview are the natural indications of being nervous.

There are some reasons behind getting nervous during a job interview. But it is very common to be nervous before, throughout and after the job interview. There are various reasons due to which you feel so nervous, some common reasons are listed below.

• Confronting new people.
• Getting judged on the basis of a resume, job application and a short conversation.
• Being subconscious about dressing sense.
• Being excited or desperate to get the job.
• Having fears of being rejected by the interviewer.

Likewise, there are many more reasons why interviewee gets nervous. This is simply natural and it occurs to almost every new candidate. In this article, I will guide you on how to face and succeed in an interview. Also, I will share some of my personal experiences to portray real incidents.

While sitting and waiting for your turn in the waiting room it is obvious to be nervous and overthink. Therefore, here are some tips that will help you to be calm and relax before the interview.

1) Don't fiddle your phone

Using smartphones can cause distraction when one needs to be attentive. Always be active when your name will be called by the interviewer. You should be mentally prepared before entering into the hiring manager cabin. If you keep playing with your phone, then you may get startled by hearing your name and this will make you more nervous.

2) Keep Breathing and Do Not fidget

Breath slowly and deeply but don't breathe fast. Breathing fast will only increase your anxiety. Do not unnecessary keep moving your body, hands or feet since it is a sign of being nervous.

There are some suggestions to follow so as to face and succeed in the interview. This can be applied for telephonic, video, group, or one to one interview session.

1) Don't reflect that You're Nervous

Interviewer understands on their own that you are a little nervous but you should never admit it. To display them through the facial expressions. Situations can turn out unpleasant sometimes when candidates display that they are nervous.

2) Don't Hesitate to Confess your Mistakes

If you don't know the answer to any difficult question being asked in the Interview. Don't hesitate and freak out because this will make you more nervous. If you don't know the answer to their questions, then admit it and move on. Pretending that you know the answer will make you nervous abruptly. This way you can also lose your self-confidence.

3) Speak in an Audible Voice

Speak in a slow and calm voice so that panel can interpret the message clearly. This will ultimately result in relaxing your nerves. Speaking too slow or too fast will show how much you are under-confident and nervous. Maintain a rhythm in the voice pitch. Ensure that your voice is audible to the panel.

4) Avoid Rambling

Getting nervous in an Interview tends us to reiterate the sentences and also ramble’s sometimes. When any question is asked you should first think and then answer it. If you answer it right away without thinking, then chances of getting nervous are more. This may lead to a worse situation.

5) Maintain a Neutral Smile

Always act like you are fortunate to be interviewed. Answer the questions of the panel with a polite and gentle smile. Don't laugh and giggle during the interview. Maintain professional decorum in the office. Sometimes the interviewer being in a funny mood cracks some jokes. Still, candidates need to be polite, sincere and smile. Once the hiring authority is convinced that the candidate is a responsible and accountable person, they will surely hire them.

I have faced many job interviews where I had experienced devastating nervousness. My first strategy while sitting in front of the interviewer is to directly look into his eyes and hear him attentively. Thereafter, I control my hand's movement which distracts the interviewer and creates a bad impression.

Last but not the least, be in a relaxed state. Show your actual side, and don't focus on creating a fake personality. The interviewers easily sense common lies that candidates make. Adhere to above-mentioned points, to avoid nervousness. Be calm, relaxed and real in your personality to grab the opportunity in the initial attempt.