Your tips on staying calm in an interview

[wrenfern]

I have 2 back to back compentancy interviews this Thursday. Both are a step up from my current role.

I know I can do this job but when it comes to interviews my nerves always get the better of me and I fluff it. This time is worse as I've been on maternity leave for 12 months so I feel so out of touch.

How do you stay cool, calm and collected under the pressure? Strong drink beforehand?

*competency

Apparently there's a pinch point between your thumb and index finger - the fleshy bit - when you squeeze that it relieves tension.

The best tip I ever had was make notes on the questions they are likely to ask you
So for example "give me an example of a time you dealt with a complex complaint "
Write down what the situation was how you dealt with it and the outcome.

When you walk in to the interview say " this interview is really important to me I have made some notes am I ok to use them "
They have never said no and it it really helps having notes in front of you

Good luck!!

Talk out loud when prepping the material until you can talk without that self-conscious hesitancy.

Learn to breathe calmly to slow heart rate down if starting to panic. (Breathe in for 7, hold for 4, breathe out for 11 - and breathing deeply so that your tummy inflates not shallow breaths in the top of your chest only).

Positive self-talk so you can be your own voice of reassurance.

Best tip I've had: project calm body language and it translated into a calm(er) feeling. Don't lean forward all eager beaver- sit up straight or park your bum right against the back of the chair and lean on it. Hold a pen to stop yourself from clutching or gesticulating without hands. Really works for me (I got the job and felt more leaderly)

*with your, not without

Oh, and instead of trying to make the nerves go away, reframe them - fear/nerves and excitement are basically the same physical sensations as your body prepares for a challenge.

Propranolol. Seriously its a gamechanger for nerves

@OneMoreForExtra

Best tip I've had: project calm body language and it translated into a calm(er) feeling. Don't lean forward all eager beaver- sit up straight or park your bum right against the back of the chair and lean on it. Hold a pen to stop yourself from clutching or gesticulating without hands. Really works for me (I got the job and felt more leaderly)

Oh yes, that's a great one too! I find it is good at making you feel more in control and therefore calmer.

Yes, as others have said, you can take notes.

A great tip my mum said to me is, if they ask a tricky question, you say 'That's a great question, I'll need a minute to think about it' and that allows you some time so silence isn't awkward.

If you're worry you've might miss imparting some important information, at the 'do you have any questions?' point ask if there's anything they want to know about you that they haven't covered.

Also, though I've not used this, I have heard it advised that there's nothing stopping you from emailing/phoning afterwards if you suddenly remember something you really think you should have mentioned.

@carryme

The best tip I ever had was make notes on the questions they are likely to ask you So for example "give me an example of a time you dealt with a complex complaint " Write down what the situation was how you dealt with it and the outcome.

When you walk in to the interview say " this interview is really important to me I have made some notes am I ok to use them "
They have never said no and it it really helps having notes in front of you

Good luck!!

I did this in an interview earlier this year and they loved that I was prepared and I didn't forget anything and was able to really sell myself. I got the job!

Power poses or exuberant dancing like an idiot before the interview helps me. Obviously do this in privacy, not during the actual interview...

Smile.

Thanks guys!

I made it through both (phew!). At the start of the 1st one, my nerves took over a little but it definitely got better as it went on. Second one was much better.

Thanks so much for all of your tips!

Well done.