How to Handle Interview Nerves

There is nothing more exciting than obtaining a job interview. However, the anticipation leading up to your meeting can result in more than a little nervous tension.

Here, we'll take a look at some of the methods you can use to ensure that you don't spend the entire face-to-face fidgeting and tongue-tied.

Prepare for the Interview

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not preparing for their interviews. And it doesn't take all that much effort to plan. For instance, formulating questions you expect to be asked and their answers is a terrific way to get started, as is thinking of questions you'll want to know about the position and the company. Finally, putting together copies of your CV and/or portfolio to use during the meeting is a great way to reduce anxiety.

If you make yourself mentally ready for the experience, you'll have a much better chance of walking through the office doors with only a few butterflies in your stomach rather than a whole flock of migrating geese.

Try Relaxation Exercises

Are you the type of person who really becomes a wreck during the days and hours before your interviews? You might want to try some relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, or massage therapy. These ancient healing techniques have been used by many to soothe the body as well as settle the restless "what ifs" floating around in your mind. Additionally, some individuals find relaxation in aromatherapy; just make sure you don't walk into your interview smelling like a walking perfume kiosk.

Get to the Gym

Not the laid-back type who could sit still for a back rub? You might find relaxation by working out. If you're a runner, spend a half hour the night before your interview jogging in the park. If you prefer racquetball or tennis, locate a court and bat your jitters away! Jump on an elliptical machine at your health club and get your heart pumping.

Exercise is one of the best ways to get your brain cells charged and your blood flowing. Plus, it's a natural antidepressant, meaning you'll go into your interview in a better frame of mind than if you sat in front of the television the night before, fretting and eating copious amounts of fatty foods.

Eat Well

That brings us to the subject of nutrition. Snacking heavily the night before a big interview is a bad idea, as you'll wake up feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Instead, choose a light meal the evening before your big meeting, and munch on a hearty but low-fat breakfast such as whole wheat toast and yoghurt or fresh fruit. Hey, you can always splurge by nibbling on a giant, greasy pizza when the interview is over!

Put Your Interview into Perspective

Feel like this is the last interview you'll ever get? If so, you need to readjust your perspective. Even if you haven't gotten an interview for months, this isn't the only job that's out there. Don't allow your desperation to turn your mindset into a negative one. Instead, try to think about this meeting objectively. Maybe you'll get the job, and maybe you won't. But if the latter comes to pass, there will be other interviews down the road. You just have to be patient.

By being a little proactive and heading off your nerves before they sabotage your interview, you'll be upping your chances of hearing those wonderful words, "You're hired!"