Tips to help you: overcome job interview jitters

They say that looking for a new job ranks amongst the top most stress-inducing situations in life – and if you’ve ever been through a series of interviews you’ll know that they’re not wrong. When your entire career seemingly hangs in the balance of a panel of people, it’s not surprising that you’d feel nervous and anxious. Your stomach feels like it’s in constant knots, your hands become clammy and shaky, your feet suddenly take on a jittery life of their own, and you start to sweat in situations you’d never have thought you’d sweat in.

You see, despite the fact that you might be sitting in a cold, air-conditioned office, if you’re feeling nervous your body will produce what’s known as ‘emotional’ or ‘stress’ sweat. It’s a sweat that’s completely different to that produced when the temperature rises and it can leave your underarms feeling clammy and sticky and your body smelling less than savoury. It can also distract you from the task at hand (because who doesn’t start to feel self-conscious and even more anxious when they know they’re sweating?)

To ensure that you have these potentially sweaty, stressful situations under control, you need to arm yourself with NIVEA Stress Protect Anti-Perspirant Deodorant for Women. It’s formulated with Stress Protect actives to specifically target and protect against the sweat caused by stress as well as anti-bacterial zinc complex to fight odour . It also keeps you feeling fresh and protected for up to 48 hours – so even if your pre-interview nerves set in way before the event itself, NIVEA Stress Protect Anti-Perspirant Deodorant for Women will have you covered.

Now, to help you feel as confident as you possibly can, we asked Katie Roberts, director of Katie Roberts Career Consulting, for her top tips on controlling your nerves before and during and interview…

1.) Research the company and become familiar with its size, location(s), products/services, reputation, competitors etc. Look up their website and put together a list of reasons why you want to work for them. Ӭ
2.) Brainstorm questions that you are likely to be asked in the interview based on the job responsibilities and requirements. Prepare specific examples of your previous work projects that will demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position.Ӭ

3.) Plan your outfit ahead of time. Make sure you are clean, tidy and appropriately dressed – consider your hair, nails, accessories and shoes, and remember it is better to be over dressed than under dressed!
4.) Visualise yourself at the interview – imagine yourself walking into the interview room, shaking hands with the interviewer and answering their questions with confidence. Visualise them calling you up to offer you a position after the interview.
5.) Change your mind-set about the interview. Remember it’s not just about them interviewing you. It’s also an opportunity for you to find out if they are the right company for you. This will help you re-gain a feeling of control in the interview.
6.) Reflect on what there is to appreciate in this opportunity i.e. being able to share what you have to offer, getting valuable interview experience, networking with useful contacts etc. The more you find to appreciate, the fewer nerves you will feel.
7.) When you first meet the interviewer, break the ice by asking them how their day is going or something unrelated to the interview. Remember they have also been in your position and know what it’s like to be interviewed!
8.) Practise, practise, practise! Record yourself answering interview questions out loud using a recording device or app on your mobile phone. Listen back to it and pay particular attention to your number of ‘ums’ and the length of your responses.

Have you ever been really nervous before or during a job interviews? Do you have any tips for getting your nerves under control when you’re in this situation?