If you’re normally an outgoing and social person, you can still find yourself getting nervous before an important job interview. What you want to say and what you actually end up saying are usually two different things! Not feeling at ease or comfortable during your job interview will mean just wishing for it to end as quickly and painlessly as possible— regardless of the outcome. Below, we will discuss 10 proven methods to help keep your nerves from ruining your chance at your dream job your financial service executive search!
1. Speak At Normal Speeds
When you’re nervous, you tend to talk a mile a minute. Take a moment to breathe in through your nose and out your mouth at three second intervals. Repeat this process a few times to get your breathing and heart rate under control. Having your heart rate controlled will make it easier to speak without rushing through your interview.
2. Steady The Shaking
Nerves mean that your body involuntarily shakes during your interview. A fun way to stop this problem from ruining your resolve is to squeeze your thighs or buttocks together. Not only will your clothing easily mask these actions, but you will find your body shaking less. This helps create an atmosphere of confidence around you.
3. Find Your Voice Of Confidence
Speaking is a crucial part of your job interview, and unfortunately, nerves can cause your voice to shake. Try this: stick your tongue out as far as it’ll go and say a nursery rhyme out loud. This process opens the back of your throat and makes it easier for you to speak without nerves taking control. Make sure to do this BEFORE the interview and not DURING!
4. Keep Standing
While waiting in the room to get called in for your job interview, don’t take a seat! Nerves will almost always prevent you from having the ability to gracefully stand up in the presence of the interviewer. You want to project a high level of confidence, but if you seemingly can’t even get out of a chair, it’ll make you look bad.
5. Sit In A Dynamic Position
When sitting down for the actual interview, never lean back in your chair. Doing so often makes your throat tight and you will find it harder to speak. A much better alternative is to lean slightly forward in a more natural and dynamic position. This looks not only confident, but also works well for your posture.
6. Keep Your Hands Visible
Keep your hands visible at all times on the table. It projects a high level of honesty, and it has been scientifically proven that people with their hands on the table are more likely to snag their desired jobs.
7. Make The Interviewer Feel Special
Have you ever been stuck in a one-way conversation with someone non-stop talking about themselves? If so, you know how irritating it is! When you get nervous, there’s a good chance you will try to play up your own accomplishments and talk about how great you are. Instead of falling prey to this common cliche, ask the interviewer questions that show your interest in the job. Stop talking about how awesome you are and look like you care about the work.
8. Keep Listening
When a person is nervous they tend to ignore questions or accidentally answer at the wrong time. Try to keep your mind and body focused and slow things down. Make it a point to really listen to what’s being asked and answer deliberately.
9. Speak Properly
Instead of making yourself sound like an orator or a walking commercial, use a friendly conversational tone when conveying your message. Think of how you speak to friends and family, then simply channel the same kind of vibe into your job interview.
10. Keep It Real
Instead of trying to become the ideal job candidate, be yourself! Keep honest in your responses and speak as you normally would. This projects a level of confidence and knowledge.
Listen to your mind and body, but most importantly, relax! Learn how to step back and take a deep breath because it makes all the difference in the world. You’re more likely to snag your desired job if you’re confident and answer promptly.
