How do you deal with interview nerves

[Allbymyself44]

I get crippling interview nerves. How do you deal with it?

I don't sleep, feel sick and visit the toilet often.

Good luck.

Usually I just think what will be, will be. Assuming you're prepared and you fit the job description, go in with a fuck it attitude. What's the worst that could happen?
Print the job spec and write notes/ your experience and examples beside all the different aspects.
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification of questions, don't be afraid to ask for time to think or to come back to a question.
Good luck!

I over compensate and make my personality bigger than it is.

I turn it around and think what do I want to know about this job that would make me want to do it. I'd need to know who will be training me, how long it will take, what kind of team I'd be working with, how many people, what kind of clients do they have, what's a typical day like, how much phone work or travel. You're finding out if this is the right job for you too. And if I focus on that, I don't get so nervous.

I tell myself these are just people at work trying to make good decisions. They don't want me to fail, they want to fill the position with someone they would like to work with.

It's very easy to convince yourself that the panel will try to catch you out or trip you up. They really aren't interested in that, they've already invested time and effort into getting to know more about you and they want you to do well.

Once in a taxi on my way to an interview I read an article about dealing with nerves. It said there's no point trying to convince yourself you're not nervous, because you are clearly experiencing symptoms of nervousness. Instead, try to convince yourself that you're excited, because the symptoms of excitement are similar to nervousness. It does kind of work!

try this, it works

Thanks everyone.

I massively overprepare. I write copious notes and try to second guess everything they might ask me. It's not necessarily the best coping strategy tbh but it's what I do (can't help it!)

Teams/ online interviews have also fed into it in a way I'm not entirely sure is helpful - they allow me to have a huge amount of notes out on my desk in front of me which can be a bit overwheming.

Know that interviewers can feel nervous too! Ensure that you are prepared (research into the company, the job spec, prepare examples for each point in the spec) and have some considered questions to ask them also. Allow yourself to just go with the flow of the interview discussion, try to enjoy the experience. It's fine to take a second to pause and process the question that has been posed to you before giving a reply.

It might help to acknowledge to the panel that you're nervous. I actually like it when people do that, then I can reassure them we're not there to trip them up!

Following for tips

1. One off beta blocker hour before the interview
2. Power-posing (look it up on YouTube)
3. Mindful breathing
4. Having plans for a treat after the interview - buying something small and nice for example

Getting your position right when you sit down helps too. Prepare in advance for going in saying hello, general small talk, shaking hands, or not shaking hands, prepare both so you’re not knocked off. Push your bum right to the back of the chair (this might not apply if it’s a big squashy armchair, then you need to not get stuck) and put your feet flat on the floor, take two seconds to feel the chair and the connection of your feet with the ground. Then drop your shoulders & put your head up & smile & make eye contact.

Being prepared and perspective. Accepting you will feel horrible but it is temporary.

I get terrible performance anxiety. I went to the gp who prescribed me some propranolol to use 20mins before an interview. Slows the fast heart rate, less dry mouth etc. Do a test first obvs so you know what to expect. Good luck. I got the job of my dreams last year.