It’s the big interview or presentation day. You’ve been studying for weeks, and now you’re about to make your biggest presentation ever. We’ve all been there: nervous and not quite ready to ace the interview or presentation by any means necessary. And the question of how to calm nerves before an interview keeps popping up in your head.
Nerves are a part of the human condition, and no one can escape them. But even if you’re not a nervous person by nature, you might feel like you’re getting ready to give an interview or presentation that’s important to your future. If that’s the case, there are a number of best ways to calm nerves before an interview so you can get through it.
We’ve compiled a list of tricks that will help calm you down before and during an interview or presentation.
How will you combat your nervousness before and during an interview?
Here are the best ways to calm nerves before an interview or a presentation:
Take a Chill Pill
One of the steps to how to calm nerves before an interview is to relax. Taking a few deep breaths and putting your hand on your heart will help you calm down and stay focused. Learn how to relax before an interview. This is especially helpful if you’re nervous when speaking in public, but it also comes in handy for interviews and presentations. This serves as an example of how to think clearly in an interview.
Ask Questions
Another step in how to calm anxiety before an interview is to talk to others who have been in similar situations before. They’ll tell you all about what worked for them—and what didn’t. Ask questions about what went well for them and what didn’t, so that you can use their experience as a guide for how to handle your own nerves. We also advise that you prepare the expected questions by yourself and answer them.
Rest is important
One of the steps on how to calm nerves before an interview is to get some sleep before the big day. Sleep aids like melatonin can help with anxiety and make it easier for people to fall asleep when they don’t get enough rest during the day.
Visualize yourself performing well
We advise that you try to imagine yourself in front of the interviewers or the people you will be presenting to. This is also one of the steps on how to calm anxiety before an interview. Try to identify what’s bothering you, and then try to focus on the positive aspects of the situation. For example, if you’re worried about being judged by your interviewer, tell yourself that you’ll get the chance to explain your experience and skills in detail. Imagine yourself performing just fine in front of them.
Use self-talk that focuses on the positive
We recommend that you speak positive thoughts to yourself. This particular step on how to calm anxiety before an interview is very effective. This could be saying positive exclamations to yourself. You can say things like, “I can do this,” “I am smart and creative,” etc.
Dress well
Your dress partly affects your confidence, and that’s why dressing up properly for your interview or presentation is important. Pick out your best outfit and rock it like the boss that you are.
Your Posture Matters
The way you sit or place your hands strongly affects how nervous or confident you feel. We advise that you sit up straight and avoid talking with your hands so you don’t distract your interviewer. Also, practice smiling as another step on how to calm nerves before an interview.
Be there on time
Your first impression matters. Just as much as how you dress matters, so does the time you show up for an interview. Do not keep your interviewer waiting and do your best to be there as early as possible, whether it’s a physical or a remote interview.
Conclusion
If you’re nervous about your big interview, or even just a small presentation at work, we have provided some tips on how to calm your nerves before an interview.