How to not be nervous in an interview (with tips)

You've prepared a tailored resume, crafted the perfect cover letter, and submitted your application for a new job. Then you get the call you've been waiting for: an interview request. Why do you suddenly feel so nervous? Many people get anxious before job interviews. Luckily, there are ways you can calm your nerves and go into an interview with confidence. This guide explores why it's common to have interview anxiety and some strategies you can use to stay calm in this stressful situation.

How common is interview anxiety?

It's completely natural to feel nervous or anxious before a job interview. It's more uncommon if you're not nervous at all. A recent survey found that 93% of Americans get nervous about job interviews. Among those surveyed, people felt most concerned about getting a tough question they couldn't answer, followed by appearing like a nervous interviewee and giving off unintended signals.

The bottom line: If you're feeling nervous before a job interview, you're not alone. Learn how to manage your anxiety so you can shine during your next interview.

"It's completely natural to feel nervous or anxious before a job interview. It's more uncommon if you're not nervous at all."

How to calm your nerves before an interview

With some preparation and practice, you can learn how to get rid of nerves before an interview. Follow these steps to get started:

Do your research

If you're feeling nervous before an interview, channel this energy into preparing for the big day. When you've done your research, you'll feel more confident when you get to the interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Research the company: Make sure you know basic information about the company, such as its mission, values, service areas, and products. Browse the company website, and its Facebook page, and search online to find recent news articles about the company.
• Know your interviewer: It's a good idea to know a bit about the person who will be interviewing you. Search for them on social media, or look them up in a company directory to glean information about their professional background.
• Write down key points: Getting lost on the way to an interview or forgetting the hiring manager's name are common concerns. Write down key points, including the company address, the interviewer's name, and the time and date of the interview. Keep this note with you, or store it on your phone so it's easily accessible.

Practice common questions

Before the interview, research some common interview questions related to the position or industry. Plan what you'll say if an interviewer asks you those same questions. It's especially helpful to do a mock interview with a friend or family member. They can provide objective feedback about your answers, helping you identify areas where you can improve. Once you get used to discussing your professional qualifications with another person, you'll feel less nervous about speaking with a hiring manager.

Prepare your own questions

Most interviewers will ask if you have questions for them about the position or company. Prepare some questions ahead of time so you don't freeze when this happens. Consider what you already know about the company and what you need to know before you feel comfortable accepting a position there. If you're stuck about what questions to ask, here are some ideas:

• What do you enjoy about working for the company?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will encounter?
• How do you evaluate success in this role?
• What are the opportunities for professional development and advancement?

Plan ahead of time

Take some time to plan the day of the interview before it arrives. Know how to get to the location and arrange transportation. Decide what you'll wear, and set out your outfit the night before. Make sure you have all the documents you need, such as copies of your resume and a list of references. Planning ahead can make you less nervous on the day of your interview.

How to stay calm during an interview

Once you've arrived, use these tips for how to stay calm in an interview:

Arrive early

If you know you'll be nervous at the interview, make sure you arrive early. Plan to get there 15 minutes before your meeting, so you have plenty of time to get a drink of water, use the restroom, or take a quick walk. Getting there early also gives you time to check in or find the interview location, so you're not rushing to get there on time.

Repeat a positive mantra

Before you walk into the interview, repeat a positive mantra to yourself. Speaking positively to yourself can have a huge impact on your mood and confidence. For example, you might tell yourself, "I am prepared for this interview, and I know I'm going to do my best." You can even try reframing a negative thought into a positive mantra. For example, instead of thinking, "I'm so nervous about this interview," you can use the mantra, "I'm so ready for this interview."

Focus on your breathing

Often, feeling anxious makes it harder to breathe fully. If your heart starts to race during the interview, focus as much as you can on your breathing. While the interviewer is speaking, take big breaths and exhale slowly. When it's your turn to speak, pause briefly and allow yourself to take a breath. Most interviewers won't even notice if you take a few extra seconds to breathe before responding to a question.

Show confidence

Have you heard the phrase, "Fake it 'til you make it?" Even when you're feeling anxious or stressed, do your best to portray confidence in an interview. Actively listen to the interviewer by nodding as they speak and asking follow-up questions. Smile when you respond to show enthusiasm for the role. Smiling can instantly make you feel more confident, even when you're nervous.

Use the STOP method

If you sense your nerves are causing you to rush through your answers, use the STOP method. It's an acronym that reminds you to:

• Stop what you're doing to focus on your thoughts instead.
• Take several deep breaths.
• Observe your thoughts and emotions and note why they're happening.
• Proceed again, using your observations to guide your next actions.

By using the STOP method, you can stay focused on the present. It's an effective reminder that you have control over your thoughts and actions, even in stressful circumstances.

Keep some perspective

Most importantly, keep some perspective, and don't beat yourself up for getting nervous in an interview. Remember that you're not the first person — and certainly not the last — who will experience some nerves in a job interview. Remind yourself that an interview is a two-way street, so it's not all about you. If you've made it to the interview stage, the hiring manager has decided you're a worthwhile candidate, and they might feel just as nervous about making a good impression on you.

A job interview can be a nerve-racking experience, even for the most experienced candidates. When you get the call for an interview, calm your nerves by preparing ahead of time, practicing some questions, staying positive, and keeping some perspective. Haven't landed a job interview yet? Upload your resume on CareerBuilder to make it easier for prospective employers to find you.

More tips on interviewing

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If you have a virtual interview coming up, there are additional factors to consider. Check out these seven tips to prepare for a virtual interview.

You made it through the interview — but what did they think of you? These are 10 signs your interview went well.