After what seems like countless applications, rewrites of your hiring materials, and hours spent researching potential positions, you’ve officially landed an interview – congrats! Starting the interview process means you’re one step closer to a new role. But first, you may be experiencing some heightened nerves regarding the situation – what will you say? How will you dress? What if you forget everything you’ve practiced!?

Take a step back from the situation and prepare for your interview with these six tips:

Do your research

Before any interview, you’ll want to ensure you've done some basic research in order to confidently answer the questions you’re asked and to ask some of your own. To conduct your research: look for information on the company’s website, social media pages, and even recent news stories. Doing so will show your interviewer you are well prepared and eager to discuss your qualifications rather than showing you’re nervous.

In addition, finding information on the person who will be interviewing you can also help ease your nerves. Knowing who you are speaking with and how long they have been with the company, what their exact job title is, and maybe even some of their past experiences may help you feel more relaxed throughout the process. Just be sure to remember to keep things professional – during your interview never ask personal questions or bring up very specific information about your interviewer. Instead, always let your conversations flow naturally.

Prepare for potential questions

Feeling unprepared for an interview is a surefire way to get your nerves riled up. While it may be impossible to know every question that will be thrown your way during an interview, there may be a handful of common questions that interviewers typically ask in order to learn more about you, your interest in the role, and your goals. Rehearse your answers to these questions ahead of time but be able to throw in specifics when needed. Going into your interview with a few go-to responses can help relieve any uncertainties you may have.

Plan the logistics

Perhaps the root cause of your interview nerves do not have to do with the actual interview. Maybe you’re feeling uncertain about getting to the meeting place or what exactly is the appropriate attire. Whatever specifics are making you second guess, be sure to plan out these logistics beforehand. For any aspects you are not completely sure of, reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter who set up your interview.

For an in-person interview, consider practicing your route ahead of time to ensure you’ll know how to get there for the real deal. If you’re typically torn about what clothes to wear, pick your outfit the night before rather than waiting for the day of the interview. This will alleviate some of the uncertainty about the day and give you some structure.

If you’re meeting with your interviewer virtually, ensure you have a working computer with audio and video capabilities, headphones if needed, and a steady internet connection. In addition, be sure you have downloaded any software or video-chatting platforms that you will need for the interview. You’ll also want to find a space that is well-lit, free from any loud noises, and where you will have a strong internet connection.

Partake in a mock interview

Practice makes perfect! Once you’ve ensured you have done your research on the company and role, understand the potential questions that may be asked, and have planned out the logistics for the day, recruit a friend or colleague to partake in a mock interview. This will give you an opportunity to practice the answers you’ve thought of and notice any room for improvement. You’ll also be able to get feedback on your performance in case there are any skills or experiences you may have forgotten to highlight.

Take your time

During your interview, remember it is okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering a question. If you are feeling pressured into giving an immediate response, take a second to breathe and think about what you’d like to say. If you’re unsure of the question, be sure to ask the interviewer to repeat themselves or for more clarification. Remember – interview jitters are completely normal and your interviewer wants to see you succeed.

Let go of self-doubt

The recruiter or hiring manager you are meeting with has looked over your resume and hiring materials and made the decision to interview you because they know you could potentially make a great candidate for the role. They saw how your skills and experiences align with the role in question and have asked you to provide more information. Don’t let imposter syndrome get the best of you; go into your interview with confidence and a positive attitude!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the interview process, you’re not alone. Luckily, our team of experienced recruiters is here to help guide you. Contact Nexus today to learn more and get started on finding your next role.

Six Tips for Calming Your Interview Nerves