Prepare Thoroughly

·       Do your own research on the company in order to understand the company’s mission, values, culture and recent developments.

·       Rehearse common interview questions – you could even conduct a mock interview with a friend or mentor.

·       Familiarise yourself with your skills and experience so that you are able to speak about it confidently and in detail.

Practise Relaxation Techniques

·       Practise deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth.

·       Spend a few minutes practising mindfulness or doing a meditation in order to centre your thoughts and reduce stress.

·       Try doing progressive muscle relaxation, tense and slowly release different muscle groups in your body to help relieve the tension.

Visualise Success

·       Close your eyes and visualise yourself performing well in the interview. Imagine walking confidently into the room, answering questions effectively and receiving positive feedback.

·       Use positive affirmations to boost your self esteem. Repeating phrases like “I am prepared and confident” or “I am capable and skilled” can reinforce your positive thinking.

Plan Ahead

·       Plan your route to the interview location, and make sure to allow extra time in case of unexpected delays.

·       Choose and lay out your interview outfit the night before. Ensure it is professional and comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about it on the day of the interview.

·       Gather and organise any necessary materials such as documents, references of work samples so that you have them ready to use.

Confidence Boosting Activities

·       Do some light exercise, like a brisk walk or yoga. This can release endorphins and reduce anxiety.

·       Listen to your favourite music or get pumped up listening to a playlist that energises and motivates you.

·       Try power posing (standing in a posture of confidence) for a few minutes to help increase feelings of confidence and reduce stress hormones in the body.

By incorporating these stress reducing activities into your pre-interview routine, you can manage your nerves effectively. This will help you to approach your interview with a calm and confident mindset – best of luck!