Nervous about an upcoming job interview? Perhaps you're sweating over a big business presentation?
In either scenario, a certain degree of nervousness is perfectly normal. Most audiences understand and accept a certain level of inevitable nervousness. Displaying excess nervousness, however, can certainly be detrimental to the task at hand.
Here's a few tips for keeping your nerves under control.
Tips for Overcoming Nervousness
#1. Be Prepared - It may seem obvious, but preparation is almost always the best way to control nervousness. Know your stuff and be confident in your abilities. If you're interviewing for a job, make sure you have properly researched the company before hand. Come up with a few key points you can go to if things turn south. Have a few questions you can ask the employer to get them talking while you regroup.
#2. Practice Breathing Techniques - Deep, slow breaths can calm your nerves in a hurry. Before you start your interview or presentation, try holding your breath for a bit and then resume in a calm, deep breathing pattern. Getting control of your air flow will reduce your nervousness, keep you focused and help improve your body language.
#3. Stay Positive - Envision the interview going well. Think about the potential questions and how you'll answer them. Imagine yourself answering questions calm, directly and confidently. Stay optimistic and most importantly, smile.
#4 Practice, Practice, Practice - Practice your interview. Rehearse answers to questions and anticipate follow up questions. Change up the language in your responses each time through, and have a friend ask you questions in different orders and in different ways. Become confident in your ability to converse.
Have any other tips to share? Join the conversation in the comments below!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kate H says: (12:38PM on Jun 3rd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
These are great tips, and I couldn't agree more. A great way to get in a lot of realistic practice before an important job interview is to set up a mock interview with someone who has interviewed others for positions before. Especially if you don't have a lot of previous experience in an interview setting, sitting down with someone who is knowledgeable about the flow of conversation and etiquette in an interview can be very useful. Make sure to pick their brain afterward for ways to improve. This article talks about the benefits of practicing for interviews:
http://content.office.monster.com/job-interview-practice/Practice-Makes-Perfect/home.aspx
Here's a list of ten interview questions that usually come up:
http://content.office.monster.com/job-interview-practice/Prep-for-the-Top-10-Interview-Quest/home.aspx
If you'd like more articles on interviewing and everything else related to browsing the job market, you should visit the Tips/Advice tab on Microsoft's Office Live Student Facebook page. Even if you aren't a student, it has great resources for anyone looking to get hired:
http://www.facebook.com/officelivestudent#/officelivestudent?v=app_7146470109&viewas=0
Best of luck with your job search!
-Kate
MSFT Office Live Outreach Team
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Vishlysr says: (3:46AM on Jun 18th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I have heard most of the things said previously when talking about being cool at job interviews. The breathing technique was something new and recommends itself. Thanks for the tip.
Btw, what about those who have lost their job? Thankfully, there are some websites where people who have been affected by job loss in the current recession could share their anxieties and problems with others having faced similar problems in the past. One website that is interesting is http://www.angstcorner.com
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Andy says: (2:51PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
The breathing might sound silly, but it can help. Especially if its the middle of summer, and you're already sweating from wearing a suit in the humidity :)
Alex Rudloff says: (3:29PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
For me, it's the breathing techniques that help and getting into a "pre-game" mind set.
Before any interview, I get a cup of coffee and go for a walk just to clear my head. Similar for a presentation, though usually without the coffee. If I just jump into something cold I'm usually not on my game as much.
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Christopher Finke says: (3:35PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2.5/3
Excellent tips; something else to remember is that the interviewer wants you to do well - they're not rooting against you. They're only interviewing because they have a need, and you could fill that need for them! Doesn't that make you feel special?
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John says: (6:46PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Right on. My problem is myself. I worry about my looks, my clothing, how my hair is combed (as if anyone really cared) but being prepared and take your tije, that is what helps me most.
jbjg24m says: (6:50PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
BUNCH OF BS, JUST BE YOURSELF
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Robert says: (8:31PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Beta blockers, they're used by musicians to battle stage fright.
myspace.com/anotherblackseason
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Sasha says: (8:17PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
You are right about beta blockers. The doctor prescribed this medication for my heart arrhythmia, and in addition to helping that, it made me fearless. I was returning to college at the time and found that I never had test anxiety or nervousness about class presentations. I'm not sure about taking beta blockers if you don't really need this for medical reasons, though. It's probably better to find other ways to combat nervousness.
Robert says: (8:41PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
You're right Sasha, they should be used with doctor supervision.
myspace.com/anotherblackseason
Mark in Iowa says: (9:17PM on Jul 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Good tips, and, along with the "Things not to say about your greatest weakness," a good primer for someone going into an interview.
I would consider practice to be part of being prepared, and if you can find someone (or better, several someones!) to practice in front of, it'll help you get past those nerves.
Also, forget the thing about picturing the audience naked or in their underwear; it doesn't work for me. What I like to do is find two or three freindly or attentive faces, and tell myself "I'm just talking to Dan, Walter and Derek, and they are listening politely."
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