We have the best career test NZ has ever seen! If you’ve been trying find career inspiration, our job match quiz / test might be just what you’re looking for.
Find out how your natural personality and style are adapted in a work environment and how to use that information to help you get your ideal job.
Understanding the Causes of Interview Jitters
Experiencing interview jitters is a common phenomenon, and it can be attributed to various factors. The pressure to perform well, the fear of rejection, and uncertainty about the outcome are just a few reasons behind interview anxiety. By understanding the causes of your jitters, you can develop targeted strategies to boost your confidence and make a great impression during interviews.
Some common causes of interview jitters include:
Fear of the unknown: Not knowing what to expect during the interview process can trigger anxiety. This can be mitigated by researching the company, role, and interview format beforehand.
High stakes: Recognising that the outcome of the interview may significantly impact your career can add to the pressure. Remind yourself that you have other opportunities and that one interview doesn’t define your entire career.
Self-doubt: Feeling unsure about your qualifications or ability to communicate your worth effectively can contribute to interview jitters. Focus on your unique skills and experiences and practice articulating your value to overcome self-doubt.
Social anxiety: For those who experience social anxiety, the thought of being scrutinised by an interviewer can be intimidating. Developing techniques for managing anxiety and practising your interview skills can help alleviate this concern.
Preparing for the Interview
Thorough preparation is key to overcoming interview jitters and boosting your confidence. By investing time and effort into preparing for the interview, you can feel more in control, knowledgeable, and self-assured. Consider the following strategies for effective interview preparation:
Research the company: Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission, values, culture, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and ask insightful questions during the interview.
Review the job description: Understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the role to highlight your relevant skills and experiences effectively.
Practice answering common interview questions: Develop well-structured, concise answers to common interview questions, using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method where applicable.
Prepare anecdotes: Create a list of brief, compelling stories that demonstrate your achievements and unique skills. These anecdotes can be used to support your responses during the interview.
Plan your outfit and logistics: Choose professional, comfortable attire that aligns with the company culture, and plan your route to the interview location to ensure punctuality.
Developing Techniques for Managing Anxiety
Managing anxiety is crucial for overcoming interview jitters and presenting yourself confidently. By developing effective techniques to cope with stress and nervousness, you can enter the interview with poise and self-assurance. Consider incorporating the following strategies into your pre-interview routine:
Breathing exercises: Deep, controlled breathing can help calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. Practise slow, diaphragmatic breaths, inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of four. Repeat this process several times before the interview.
Visualisation: Picture yourself succeeding in the interview, confidently answering questions and making a strong impression on the interviewer. By visualising a positive outcome, you can reinforce your self-belief and increase your confidence.
Mindfulness meditation: Engage in mindfulness meditation to focus your attention on the present moment and reduce anxious thoughts. Practising mindfulness can help you stay grounded during the interview and improve your mental clarity.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups in your body to release tension and stress. Start with your toes and work your way up to your head, systematically tensing and relaxing each muscle group.
Positive affirmations: Repeat positive, empowering statements to yourself, such as “I am capable,” “I am well-prepared,” and “I can handle this interview.” These affirmations can help to counteract negative thoughts and boost your self-confidence.
Effective Communication During the Interview
Effective communication is essential for making a great impression during interviews. By honing your communication skills, you can articulate your qualifications clearly and confidently, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers. Keep the following tips in mind for effective communication during interviews:
Maintain good eye contact: Establishing and maintaining eye contact with your interviewer demonstrates confidence and attentiveness.
Use positive body language: Sit up straight, lean slightly forward, and use open gestures to convey interest and engagement.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace: Enunciate your words, avoid using filler words such as “um” or “like,” and maintain a steady speaking pace to ensure your responses are easy to understand.
Be concise: Provide focused, relevant answers to interview questions, without rambling or going off-topic. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
Listen actively: Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions, and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. This will ensure that you fully understand the question and can provide an appropriate answer.
Building on Your Interview Experiences
Each interview experience presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. By reflecting on your performance and identifying areas for development, you can continually enhance your interview skills and boost your confidence. Consider the following steps for building on your interview experiences:
Evaluate your performance: After the interview, assess your responses, body language, and overall performance. Identify any areas where you may have struggled and develop strategies for improvement.
Seek feedback: If possible, ask the interviewer for feedback on your performance. This can provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve and aspects of your performance that were particularly impressive.
Reflect on your anxiety: Consider whether your interview jitters were reduced or exacerbated by specific factors, such as your preparation, mindset, or coping strategies. Use this information to refine your approach for future interviews.
Learn from your mistakes: Embrace any setbacks or challenges you faced during the interview as learning opportunities. Identify the lessons you can take away from these experiences and apply them to your future interviews.
By continually refining your interview skills and implementing effective strategies for managing anxiety, you can overcome interview jitters and confidently showcase your qualifications to potential employers.