Manage Your Interview Mindset and Get Rid of Nerves

Research shows that up to 92% of people report feeling stress / nervous before interviews. 

That’s right! The nerve-racking moment of facing a potential employer can make even the most confident candidate feel like a deer caught in headlights. 

In this slightly insightful blog post, we’ll explore the importance of mindset during the interview process and equip you with amusingly effective strategies to approach your next interview with the poise of a seasoned pro. 

By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of techniques that’ll leave you feeling as cool as a cucumber (in a fridge).

Understanding the Role of Mindset in Interviews 

Picture this: you’re in the interview room, and the hiring manager is staring at you with a look that could melt concrete. Does your heart race and your palms sweat? Or do you channel your inner superhero and think, “I've got this”?

Your mindset can radically shape this experience. A positive attitude can turn jitters into excitement, making you a more compelling candidate. Research reveals that individuals with a growth mindset—those who believe they can improve their performance through practice—often shine brighter than those with a fixed mindset who worry about making

mistakes.

 As you step into the world of interviews, consider this: if you believe you’re going to flop, you'll likely feel anxious and behave in ways that make your fears manifest. But believing in your ability to succeed can help you manage stress and literally present your best self. 

Preparing Your Mindset for Interview Success 

1. Visualize Success:

Have you ever tried picturing yourself as the star of your own action movie? Well, it’s time to channel that cinematic energy! Spend a few minutes daily envisioning yourself strutting into the office, confidently answering questions like a quiz show champion. Build this mental movie in your mind—complete with theme music—and watch your worries fade.

 2. Shift Your Perspective    

Rather than viewing interviews as gladiatorial combat where only one candidate survives, think of them as friendly coffee chats with potential buddies. Remember, interviews are not just for the employer to size you up; they’re a chance for you to find out if your potential employer is as delightful as your favourite coffee blend. Less pressure, more pleasant conversation! 

3. Practice Mindfulness Techniques    

Zen masters have known for ages that staying calm is the key. Engage in techniques like deep breathing that can help reduce anxiety. And no, we don't mean deep breathing like you're inflating a balloon for a party. Try inhaling slowly through your nose like you're smelling your new favourite dish, and exhale through your mouth as if you’ve just tasted something absolutely delicious. Let the tension roll away with every breath. 

4. Create a Pre-Interview Ritual    

Develop a silly pre-interview routine that helps you channel your inner calm before the storm. Maybe dance around to your favourite song, do a few jumping jacks to get the blood flowing, or wear your lucky socks—the ones with cats in spacesuits. Just make sure it's something that gets you in the right headspace without sending you into a panic-induced flurry! I dance along to a really positive playlist, really improving how I'm feeling and managing my attitude

5. Rehearse with Feedback    

Grab a friend and engage in some light-hearted role-playing for your interview practice. Have them throw random questions your way while you answer like a pro. If you stumble, have them bring out the confetti and celebrate anyway! Each stumble is a step toward mastering your craft.

Once you start to take control of your mindset before you go in, you'll find it much easier to focus on delivering amazing answers to all of those tricky questions that you've practised.

Getting that dream job just got so much easier.

Keep smiling and being fantastic