How to Relax before an Interview: How to Calm down

before an Interview
You can practice pre-planned activities for calming your nerves before an interview – Your job
interview anxiety. The way you control the regular stress that appears hours and minutes before
interview can significantly improve your performance.
Here are some suggested ‘things to do before an interview’ in addition to things we should not do
(i.e. don’ts):

1 Day before an interview – the evening before your job interview

 Preparations before interview: Prepare a list of your achievements to remind you of how great you
are. Review the related frequently asked job interview questions and best answers.

 Make your final job interview test: Pretend that you are sitting in the interview room and actually
performing. You know how professional you are. Practice your sales pitch one last time.

 Imagine: Think about the traveling route that you are going to drive tomorrow. See yourself in the
interview room, hear yourself speaking with confidence.
The night before the interview

 Get enough sleep: At least 8 hours. Make sure that you wake up physically prepared and mentally
refreshed.
The interview day: Morning or 3-4 hours before the interview

 Dress for success: power-dressing (i.e. dress code factor) can help boosting up your confidence. It
also impresses your interviewer.

 Eat wisely: don’t full yourself with too much food for energy reserve. Eat as you eat regularly.

 Document Check: check your folder one last time. Check (and read) documents like resume and
job description to have it fresh in your mind.

 Needless to say: Don’t drink alcohol before interview, don’t smoke 2 hours before the interview and
don’t take medications/pills before interview. It will show

 Prayer before an interview: If praying helps you to relax and calm your nerves, then pray.
Traveling to the interview

 Arrive early at your job interview and spend some time to freshen up. You don’t want to be caught
in a traffic jam with no spare time left.
 Mind the time before the interview: Make sure to arrive 30-45 minutes before the interview so
you’ll have enough time to arrange your thoughts and relax.

 Listen to music: what sort of music do you like – pop, power songs, relaxing songs? Turn on the
radio and select your favorite radio station.

 Fresh air: Blast the air conditioner (or open the window) for fresh and crisp air. It will awaken your
senses
Car parking or 30 minutes before your job interview

 Positive thinking and ‘happy thoughts’: No time for self-doubts. All thoughts should be positive.
Close your eyes and pretend to feel happy and you feel happy – that’s the formula.

 Breathing: Breathe for four counts and hold your breath for four counts.

 Visualize your activities before actually performing them: Athletes use this tactic to concentrate
on their mission. Before the interview, see yourself shaking hands, smiling, speaking, making eye
contact and generally being comfortable with yourself – If you think it, it will happen.
Go into the building

 Restroom check: First thing to do upon entering the interview building is going to the restroom.
Wash your face, wash your hands and smile into the mirror. Take your time.

 Drink fresh water: No Coke.

 Cell phone: Turn off your cell phone.

 Take slow/deep breaths: Take deliberate slow and controlled breaths to regulate the amount of
oxygen in your body – It helps your mind focus better.

Good Luck!!