Anxious During a Job Interview? Try These 3 Tips!

I’ve seen countless stories when anxiety ruins your life during job interviews.
In fact, I was once in this very same situation. 

It was my first ever interview since I had landed in Japan and I failed it.

Failed miserably!

I was polite in the beginning, which is important in Japan, but due to anxiety, my brain simply froze. I could not answer almost any questions, even simple ones.

Add to that the difficulty of speaking a foreign language and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. 

That failed interview changed the course of my life. I had to try myself in a totally different industry.

Maybe it was for the better, as I got another job fairly soon afterwards.

But still, when I hear stories of “interview from hell”, they resonate with me on a deep level. I know how important such things are. 

One such story was about someone who had a particularly tough interview experience. 

They shared how the stern faces of the panel made them feel judged, leading to physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, stammering, and shaking. 

This narrative struck a chord with me, not just because of the immediate emotional and physical toll it took on the lady telling the story, but because it highlighted the broader struggle many face in overcoming anxiety in high-pressure situations.

Reflecting on my own journey and the countless interactions I’ve had with others facing similar battles, I’ve come to appreciate the power of resilience and the effectiveness of certain strategies in managing anxiety. 

I want to share some insights that have not only helped me personally but have also been a beacon of hope for others.

Firstly, I’ve learned that one tough interview does not define your worth or your future success. 

You fall. You get up.

In preparing for future interviews or any anxiety-inducing situations, I’ve found great value in incorporating specific techniques into my routine. Here are three methods that have significantly impacted my approach:

Exercise Before the Interview

I cannot overstate the benefits of starting your day with physical activity. 

Exercise has been a cornerstone of my anxiety management strategy, helping to reduce stress levels and boost my mood. 

A morning workout before an interview can provide clarity and calmness, setting a positive tone for the day.

Deep Breathing Techniques

Learning and practicing deep breathing techniques have been transformative for me. 

These exercises are a quick and effective way to manage anxiety in the moment. By focusing on your breath and taking deep, controlled inhalations and exhalations, you can significantly reduce your anxiety level, helping to calm your mind and body before and during stressful situations.

Flip the Interview Relationship

This strategy involves shifting your mindset to view the interview as an opportunity for you to evaluate the company and the role, rather than solely being assessed by them. 

This perspective change has been empowering for me, reducing the feeling of being under scrutiny and allowing me to approach interviews with more confidence and control.

Remember, your anxiety does not define you, and with the right strategies, you can navigate your challenges with strength and grace, at work, at home, and anywhere in between.