What to do about nervousness before a job interview?

A job interview can be full of excitement - new opportunities, a new future, the chance to leave a bad job and start somewhere new, perhaps the job of your dreams. Heart palpitations, clammy hands or a queasy stomach are somehow normal in such cases. But intense nervousness can prevent you from performing well. What can really help with the excitement? In this article, you'll find specific tips on how to go into an interview relaxed and make a confident impression.

What to do about the excitement before a job interview? - Preparation is everything!

Good preparation helps enormously to reduce nervousness. Because the more confident you feel, the more relaxed you will be going into the interview.

Here are some specific tips:

• Research information about the company and the position: Inform yourself thoroughly about the company. Read the website, press articles and - if available - employee reviews on platforms such as Kununu or Glassdoor. This will give you a feel for the company culture and help you prepare for questions.
• Prepare answers to typical questions: Think of answers to common questions such as "Why do you want to work for us?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?". Practice your answers out loud, perhaps with a friend or in front of a mirror.
• Make a note of your own questions: A good interview is not a one-sided test. Make a note of at least 5 questions about the company, the position and the tasks. This shows interest and helps you to find out whether the job really suits you.
• Set your expectations: What do you want to achieve with this job? What working conditions are important to you? If you have clear ideas, you will feel more self-confident and can ask specific questions during the interview.

You can find more tips on how to prepare for a job interview here.

Directly before and during the conversation: stay calm

Even with good preparation, nervousness can return shortly before the interview. Here's how you can do it:

• Take a deep breath: Using simple breathing techniques can work wonders: Inhale slowly through your nose (count to four), hold your breath briefly and then exhale slowly through your mouth (count to six). Repeat this a few times.
• Really loosen up: If you have the opportunity, go for a short walk before the interview. Exercise reduces stress hormones and helps you clear your head.
• Make a phone call: A short conversation with a friend or family member can give you confidence. Tell them what is worrying you - it often helps to talk out your fears.
• "Power Pose": Stand for two minutes with your legs apart, back straight and hands on your hips. Studies show that this pose boosts self-confidence (yes, if you're a Grey's Anatomy fan, this is the superhero pose Amelia Shepherd does before performing brain surgery).
• Keyword list: Before the interview, write down a small keyword list, e.g. your strengths, your experience and your most important questions. This will give you a "red thread" that you can fall back on if you get nervous during the interview.

If your anxiety is so strong that it regularly blocks you - not just at job interviews - you may want to consider professional support. A coach or therapist can help you to better manage your anxiety.

What can you do to combat nervousness in a job interview?

Being nervous is completely normal, but it doesn't have to throw you off course. Thorough preparation will give you confidence, and simple exercises such as conscious breathing or a short walk will help you to get a grip on your excitement.

And if it doesn't work out right away: don't be too hard on yourself. If you get a rejection after the interview, think about the reasons and learn from them for the next time.

If you are looking for a new job, WorkerHero can help you. We find qualified jobs in Germany - even if your German is not yet perfect. You'll also find lots of helpful articles in our magazine, for example on how to understand your employment contract correctly. Take a look and find your next job with WorkerHero!