Job interviews can be daunting. The sweaty palms, racing heart, and restless mind – it's a familiar scenario for many.

If you've ever wondered how to calm nerves before an interview, you're certainly not alone. But guess what?

These feelings are not only normal, but they can also be channelled into a positive force that propels you forward. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to do just that.

Understanding Interview Nerves 

Before we delve into the strategies for managing nerves, let's understand why they occur in the first place. Job interviews can be high-stakes situations where you feel you must perform your best, making them a common trigger for anxiety.

When we perceive a threat, our bodies respond with the 'fight or flight' reaction, releasing adrenaline. This results in physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, quickened breathing, or even shaking – the classic signs of nerves. Additionally, you might also experience psychological effects like feelings of fear or apprehension.

Recognising these signs and understanding that it's a natural reaction to a stressful situation is the first step in learning how to overcome nerves in an interview. After all, a certain degree of nerves can keep you on your toes and may enhance your performance.

Strategies to Calm Nerves Before an Interview 

Preparation is key when it comes to calming nerves before an interview. Knowing your resume inside out, researching the company and role, and anticipating potential questions can do wonders for your confidence.

Practise answering these questions out loud, perhaps even in front of a mirror, to get accustomed to articulating your thoughts.

Visualisation techniques can also be effective. Imagine yourself in the interview room, answering questions with confidence and poise.

Visualise success – receiving that job offer, and the feelings of relief and joy that come with it. This method can prepare you mentally for the situation ahead.

Breathing exercises have proven to be incredibly effective for reducing anxiety. The '4-7-8' technique, for instance, involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven, and then exhaling for eight seconds. This helps slow down your heart rate and encourages your body to relax.

Physical exercise, such as a brisk walk or a yoga session, can also help calm your nerves. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, which can help you approach your interview with a positive mindset.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of healthy eating and sleep. Ensure you're nourishing your body with balanced meals, and try to get a good night's sleep before your interview. A rested and well-fed body can help keep anxiety at bay.

Techniques to Relax During the Interview 

Now that you're well-prepared and have taken steps to calm your nerves, how do you maintain this state of relaxation during the interview?

Mindfulness is a fantastic tool for this. Try to stay present during the interview, focusing on the question at hand rather than worrying about what's coming next.

If you feel your mind starting to race, gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

Body language plays a crucial role too. By maintaining good posture and eye contact, not only will you appear confident to your interviewers, but you'll start to feel more confident too.

Don't forget to smile – it not only helps put others at ease but can also make you feel more relaxed.

Finally, remember that it's perfectly acceptable to pause before responding to a question. If you feel yourself becoming flustered, take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and then speak.

Rushing through your answers can cause you to stumble over your words, which might increase your anxiety.

How to Overcome Persistent Interview Nerves

For some, interview nerves may persist despite their best efforts. If you find yourself in this situation, don't despair – there are additional steps you can take.

Cognitive behavioural techniques can be particularly beneficial. This approach involves identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive and constructive ones.

For instance, instead of thinking, "I’m nervous about my interview, what do I do?" you might tell yourself, "It's normal to feel nervous, and these feelings show that I care about doing well."

If nerves are a recurrent issue, seeking professional help such as counselling or therapy could prove valuable. Trained professionals can provide personalised advice and coping strategies to help you manage your nerves more effectively.

Moreover, practice makes perfect. Consider setting up mock interviews with friends, family, or career coaches to familiarise yourself with the interview process. The more interviews you do, the more comfortable you will become.

Leveraging Technology for Interview Success: Introducing CV Wallet 

In the digital age, technology can be a job seeker's best friend. One such tool is CV Wallet, a revolutionary app that is levelling the recruiting playing field.

CV Wallet offers a suite of smart tools designed to streamline your job search process, making it easier and faster to find work.

The CV Wallet Careers Hub is a particularly valuable resource for interview preparation. This AI-powered support provides comprehensive career advice, including tips on how to calm nerves before an interview, ensuring you're well-prepared to impress potential employers.

Moreover, the app's Blue Tick verification system provides a confidence boost by validating your identity, skills, qualifications, and experience using Blockchain technology.

This can help you stand out in a competitive job market and give you the assurance that you meet the job requirements.

With CV Wallet, you can also automate your job applications, collating opportunities from hundreds of job boards and thousands of career sites in one place. More interviews can lead to increased familiarity with the process, thereby helping you overcome your nerves and land your dream job.

Top Questions About Interview Nerves 

Here we address some of the most commonly asked questions about interview nerves.

• "I'm nervous about my interview, what do I do?" As this guide has shown, there are numerous techniques to help calm your nerves, including preparation, visualisation, and breathing exercises. Using a tool like CV Wallet can also provide support and boost your confidence.
• "Can nerves ruin an interview?" Nerves can potentially impact your performance, but remember that interviewers understand that candidates might be nervous. It's how you handle these nerves that counts. Practising self-calming techniques and adequate preparation can help you manage them effectively.
• "How can I relax in an interview?" Staying present and mindful during the interview can help. Don't rush your answers – it's okay to pause and gather your thoughts. A positive body language also promotes relaxation.

Conclusion

Overcoming interview nerves might seem daunting, but remember that these feelings are completely normal. By understanding the cause of your nerves, preparing thoroughly, and utilising relaxation techniques, you can channel this energy into a performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Remember, every interview is a learning experience, and with each one, you're becoming better and more comfortable with the process. Leveraging technology like the CV Wallet app can further enhance your confidence and preparation, giving you a competitive edge.

Don't let nerves stop you from achieving your career goals. Embrace the challenge, believe in yourself, and ace that interview!