10 Tricks to Calm Your Nerves Before a Big Interview or Presentation

10 Tricks to Calm Your Nerves Before a Big Interview or Presentation

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1. Listen to Inspirational Songs

Listening to music can improve your mental state, so hype music is an absolute must before any interview.  Not only is it a great opportunity to discover empowering lyrics to boost your confidence, you can also physically shake off the jitters with some dancing.

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2. Strike a Power Pose

According to Harvard professor Amy Cuddy, standing in a power pose for two minutes can actually make you feel more confident. Whether it’s a superwoman pose or simply opening up your body, a power pose can help you feel more confident before walking into an interview.

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3. Crowdsource Compliments from Friends and Family

Right before an interview, it’s time to put your pride aside and ask your friends and family for compliments.  Honestly, the group chat with your college besties is the perfect place to turn to for some confidence-boosting.

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4. Wear a Good Outfit

This is a no-brainer, but in any situation where you want to feel confident, you should pick out an outfit that makes you feel like your best self. Prior to your interview, double-check the company dress code and pull together an outfit that reflects your personality and the company culture.

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5. Repeat Mantras

Leading up to a job interview is the ideal time to employ the confidence mantra. Even if you don’t feel like your most confident self, you can speak it into existence by reminding yourself that you are powerful and deserving. Here are a couple of mantras to use before your next interview (or use these as inspiration to create your own!):

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5. Repeat Mantras

– “I am creative, intelligent, and strong.” – “I am fearless, a powerful leader, and resilient.”

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6. Shift Your Perspective

Although it can feel like this job is the end-all-be-all, the reality is that there will be other jobs that are an even better fit. Instead of worrying so much about whether the company will like you, consider if the company or role is a good fit for you. They already want to interview you because, based on your resume, your experience qualifies you for the role.

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7. Prepare

Whether you’re attending a Zoom interview or an in-person interview, there are steps you can take to prepare for any question that is thrown your way. Why It Works? It’s simple! The more you practice, the more confident you will feel before and during the interview. "Practice makes perfect" is a very real sentiment when it comes to interviews.

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8. Plan to Treat Yourself Post-Interview

Maybe it’s your favorite Starbucks drink or lunch with a friend, but having something to look forward to can calm your nerves and help you unwind post-interview. Why It Works? According to scientists from George Mason University and Wake Forest University, anticipating a positive event is related to decreased negative emotion in the present.

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9. Remember to Breathe

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Taking deep breaths will help slow your heart rate down before your interview. Lengthy exhales are linked to the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls our fight-or-flight response. So when you exhale, you are signaling to your body that it is time to calm down.

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10. Arrive Early + Walk It Off

If you’re heading to an in-person interview, give yourself enough time to get there early. That way, you won't feel stressed about running late.  Plus, you can take time to walk around include some of the other tips as well—like listening to inspiring music or deep breathing!

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