#213 Handling Nerves: Overcoming Interview Anxiety for First-Time Job Seekers

Feelings of anxiety before an interview is something almost everyone faces, especially if it's your first time sitting across from a potential employer. It’s completely normal to feel nervous when you're trying to make a good impression, but the good news is there are ways to manage those jitters and turn them into confidence. Let’s talk about some practical tips to help you handle your nerves and ace that interview!

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Preparation is the best way to reduce anxiety before an interview. Do your research on the company, get a feel for its values, and know what the role you're applying for is inside and out. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel. Practice common interview questions with a friend and rehearse saying your answers out loud. You can even ask a family member to record you and then watch the recording so you get comfortable with answering questions. When you walk into that room knowing you're prepared, it’ll make a huge difference in how you carry yourself.

Turn Nervous Energy Into Excitement
It’s easy to think of interview nerves as a bad thing, but a little bit of anxiety can actually work in your favor. That rush of adrenaline means you care about the opportunity, and you can turn that energy into enthusiasm! Instead of telling yourself you’re nervous, tell yourself you’re excited. This simple mental trick can help shift your focus from fear to positivity. Remember, employers want to see candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about the role! And, they expect you to be a little nervous, so don’t think too hard about it.

Breathe and Stay Present
A few deep breaths can immediately calm your nerves. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat this a few times until you feel calmer. This technique helps slow your heart rate and keeps you grounded. During the interview, focus on staying present. Listen carefully to each question, and don’t rush your responses. It’s okay to take a moment to think before you answer—it shows that you’re thoughtful and composed.

There are no Trick Questions
Remember, an interview is just a conversation. It’s not a test, and there are no trick questions. The employer isn’t there to trip you up; they want to get to know you and see if you’d be a good fit for their team. If you stumble on a question, it’s not the end of the world! Take a deep breath, smile, and do your best to respond honestly. Sometimes, a little humor or acknowledging that you’re nervous can break the ice and make you more relatable to the interviewer.

Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool that many people use to reduce anxiety. While you’re waiting, close your eyes and picture yourself walking into the interview with confidence, smiling and shaking hands with the interviewer, and answering the questions calmly and clearly. Imagine the interviewer smiling and nodding in approval and the conversation flowing naturally. When you visualize a positive outcome, you’re training your brain to expect success, which helps reduce feelings of doubt and fear.

Dress for Confidence
What you wear can significantly impact how you feel during the interview. When you dress in a way that makes you feel professional and confident, it lifts your self-esteem and helps you make a strong first impression. Choose an outfit that’s appropriate for the company’s culture but also makes you feel comfortable and self-assured. When you know you look good, you’ll feel good—and that confidence will shine through in your interview.

Practice Positive Self-Talk
The things we say to ourselves can either build us up or break us down. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I’m going to mess up,” replace those thoughts with positive thoughts like, “I’m prepared and capable,” or “I have valuable skills to offer.” Repeating these words to yourself as you prepare and while you wait to be interviewed will help you focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the table, and you’ll start to believe in your own potential.

Follow Up with Gratitude
After the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer, handwritten if possible, but certainly by email. You want to express your appreciation for their time and reinforce your interest in the position. This small gesture will not only set you apart from other candidates but will also help shift your focus from any lingering nerves to the positives of your performance. Ending on a note of gratitude helps you feel more confident about how the interview went.

Final Thoughts
Handling interview anxiety is all about preparation, mindset, and perspective. It’s okay to be nervous—it shows that you care about the opportunity. But by turning those nerves into excitement, staying present, and focusing on your strengths, you’ll be well on your way to acing that interview. Remember, every interview is a learning experience, and with each one, you’ll get better and more confident. Good luck—you’ve got this!