10 ways to relax before your interview
Ready for your interview? Of course you are, now you just need to relax. Here we show you 10 things you can do to reduce anxiety and feel more confident before the big day!
1. Find your thing
Try out what works best for you. We all have different techniques to chill and relax. Some of them are listening to empowering music, going out for a walk, reading motivational quotes, doing something you enjoy, practicing meditation for a few minutes, among others.
2. Breathe
Remaining calm can be difficult, so it's important to reduce your stress level. Take 5 minutes to take a deep breath. Here is a very useful and easy Mindfulness exercise you can try called the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique. First, find a comfortable place to sit. Then, inhale through your nose to the count of four and hold your breath for seven seconds. Lastly, exhale through your mouth to the count of eight. Repeat for as many times as you need.
You can find more meditation ideas at https://www.mindful.org/
3. Think positive
Always remember you can do it. Negative ideas attract negative results, so think positive and let that unwanted anxiety leave your brain! Tell yourself you will crush it, and visualize yourself you will be kickass at the interview. You can read more about The Law of Attraction which explains in depth positive and negative influences, so it is a must to visualize ourselves achieving our goals.
4. Watch your pose
Did you know that postures can impact your hormonal levels? Body language influences not only how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. Try staying 2 to 3 minutes in a “power position” before the interview. A confident attitude, even if you are feeling insecure, can alter the cortisol and testosterone levels, improving your chances of success.
Watch Amy Cuddy's Ted Talk to learn more about power poses.
5. Practice the S.T.O.P Method
Stop what you´re doing and pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Take deep breaths. Observe what's going on with your mind and your surroundings. Try to incorporate what you just realized into actions and then continue with your day!
6. Dress Rehearsal
Be prepared before the big day. Have your outfit ready the night before, print your CV, rehearse the main possible questions and answers. It’s best to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the meeting so you can relax and breathe before the interview. Remember to set your alarm earlier that day so you can start with peace of mind.
7. Forget about your phone
We all are addicted to our phones these days, but it’s best to leave social media, texting, and emailing until after the interview ends. Social media can make you lose your focus and stress you with last minute news. It is important to be concentrated in the interview and pay attention to what's happening around you.
8. Briefly review your notes, but don't start new research
Believe in what you already know and studied. Review the main information about the company, some technical questions, but don't stress about it. It's enough with what you already know.
9. Remember it’s just a conversation
It is definitely a must to rehearse what you want to say during your interview, but you don’t want to sound like a robot. Make it natural. Remember to try to think it is just a conversation between two people who are trying to know each other.
10. First impressions count
Wait for the interview sitting straight, make eye contact, smile, and extend your hand. Be conscious of every detail, but remember to be yourself, you are awesome!
Now crush it!