Practise Your Responses

Interview nerves are often caused by a fear of the unknown, or concern that you are going to freeze or say the wrong thing. Rehearsing answers to common interview questions will help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your ability to provide coherent, succinct responses on the day. Try practising your answers out loud with a friend to gain feedback on your delivery.

Identify, prepare, example

Go through the job description or advertisement and identify examples in your work history that display how your experience relates to that particular requirement, as well as any achievements in your role. Be able to identify and articulate your key skills and strengths, particularly as they apply to the role you are interviewing for. This is your one chance to sell yourself as the best candidate for the role.

Be Prepared

Taking the time to prepare for your interview will help you to stay relaxed. Confirm the name and contact number of your interviewer, the time you should arrive and what you plan to wear. Ensure you have all relevant documents on hand, including your CV and examples of past work. Give yourself plenty of travel time in case you are delayed. This will also give you the opportunity to gather your composure prior to the interview.

Plan Your Arrival

Punctuality is a strong indicator of your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role. Confirm the time and address of the interview, research directions and parking, and aim to arrive 10 minutes early.

Dress the Part

Your appearance conveys how serious you are about the role, and how you would represent the company in the future. Be sure to dress appropriately; neat and tidy. Pay attention to details such as clean shoes and clothes. You know the saying – dress for the job you want!

Greet With Confidence 

First impressions count. Greet your interviewer standing, with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a bright smile. Try to find out the name of the interviewer or the interview panel in advance. This will help you to address them correctly and make a positive impression. 

Watch Your Delivery

Positive body language is vital. Be aware of your tone, eye contact and how you are positioned in the chair. Try to convey genuine enthusiasm, warmth and professionalism. Speak with clarity and confidence. Remember that your motivation and attitude are often as critical as your skills and experience.

Take Your Time 

When feeling nervous at an interview, you may be tempted to rush into your responses or even forget the original question. Take a few seconds to consider what it is you’re being asked, breathe deeply, then focus on articulating your answer slowly and clearly. If you forget the question that was asked, avoid delivering an answer that you hope might be correct. Instead, keep calm and ask the interviewer if they feel you have covered their key points. 

Think Positively

Changing the way you think about an interview can have a huge impact on the amount of pressure you feel. Rather than thinking you are being judged, try viewing the interview as a challenge to overcome. Remind yourself of past successes and concentrate on the strengths you could bring to the role. Avoid putting expectations on yourself to give perfect answers, or thinking about things over which you have no control, such as the competition. Instead, focus your energy on simply giving the best interview you can.

Positive Last Impression

Close the interview with a handshake, a smile and a genuine thank you. A brief, friendly email thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration is often viewed positively. Restating your enthusiasm for the role could be a deciding factor as to whether you are offered the job.