No matter your age or work experience, job interviews can undoubtedly be a source of stress. Having to sell yourself to someone you’ve never met before is nerve-racking, leaving you physically and mentally drained before you even go on the interview. As your nerves set in, it’s important to effectively take control of interview stress rather than allow it to take over you. Help reduce your nerves with these tips.

Focus on your strengths.

In most scenarios, getting an interview opportunity means that an employer thinks highly of your qualifications as a candidate. Reminding yourself of this can help boost your confidence and allow you to feel less anxious. Focus on your strengths and what differentiates you from many other candidates. Is it your many years of experience? Or a specific training certification or degree? Think about the specific assets you can bring to the company to enhance the company’s mission and be a contributing member of the team. Staying focused on your strengths will reduce interview jitters and help you walk into your interview with confidence.

Prepare with examples.

As you prepare for an interview, it’s advisable to think of three key examples which demonstrate your talent and expertise. Rather than use vague adjectives such as “hard worker” or “team player” to describe yourself, you’ll want to be ready with actual examples of points in your career in which you proved yourself. When you have specific stories or anecdotes that you can share, you’ll be able to illustrate what makes you unique, ultimately making yourself a more memorable candidate. 

Remember it’s not all about you.

While it’s easy to put a lot of pressure on your performance, remember that an interview is not all about putting you on the spot. An interview is an opportunity for you to assess whether a position is a good fit for both you and the company, giving you the chance to learn more about the role and the job’s expectations. By putting yourself in the driver’s seat and remembering that the interview is a two-way street, you’ll ease your anxiety and gain more control in the interview process.

Following these tips can be extremely helpful in calming your nerves before and during an interview. With the right preparation and practice, interviewing will soon become second nature to you!

Are you struggling to land job interviews? Get in touch today with HCR Personnel Solutions, a leading manufacturing recruitment agency in Canada that recruits top professionals for great career opportunities.