3 tricks to minimize stress before an interview

Nowadays, stress often rules our behavior - it is the cause of our nervousness, pain symptoms and, in the long term, even diseases and somatic symptoms. It was programmed into us millions of years ago, when our ancestors needed it to mobilize the body and mind to escape danger. So it may be hard for you to understand why we feel it - after all, we no longer need to hunt or run from a tiger. The modern "tiger" that triggers tension in you can be all sorts of situations - and among them, for example, a job interview. When you get too nervous, you can lose the chance to present yourself positively to a potential future employer.

It is worth knowing that stress in a moderate dose has a mobilizing effect on us - we feel the power to act, our senses sharpen and we act at a pleasant level of arousal. Just such a dose is worth maintaining at a recruitment meeting! So how do you overcome stress at an interview to get your dream job? I've been through a lot of recruiting in my life, both as a candidate and a recruiter, so I'm happy to share three tricks that will help you manage at least some of the stress and avoid the discomfort of too much adrenaline.

Plan carefully to get to the interview

Trivial, but I have experienced it from both sides. I know how much nerves a single late arrival at an interview has cost me, and I happen to see candidates thrown off balance by an unscheduled arrival a few minutes after the scheduled time. It's a good idea to check for yourself exactly how to get there and set up extra time allowance in case of traffic jams or unexpected situations on the road. Check on a map app where the building with the company's headquarters is located - confusion of office buildings, contrary to appearances, can happen often. Needless to say, blushing and getting out of breath after running to the right building did not make me more confident at an interview?

Breath, posture and... smile!

I've always approached breathing tips with a great distance, until I found out that they really work! First of all, diaphragmatic breathing is a real game-changer. It's a good idea to belly-breathe before a conversation, using the 3-3-6 method: inhale for 3 seconds, hold the air for another 3 seconds and take a longer, 6-second exhale. This will relax and oxygenate your brain, which will have to give its best at the interview!

Also provide your body with a dose of self-confidence: an upright figure will automatically add a few points of boldness. It's worth remembering to smile - it's contagious not only with your interlocutors. It has been proven that even forcing yourself to smile for a minute improves your mood.

Preparation and attitude

I have rarely performed well when I went to an interview unprepared. I've always felt better and more confident if I've done a little research about the company beforehand and prepared myself with potential questions that might come from a recruiter or hiring manager. Of course, we won't predict everything - but the fewer surprises in this area, the better.

And finally, and this is important, and sometimes we don't think about it: take it easy. The interview is to vet the candidate, but it's also your time to learn as much as you can about the company, the position or the team and decide if you want to work there. Recruitment is a two-way selection 😉