Sweaty palms, dry throat and butterflies in the stomach, that’s how usually people feel before an interview. But you know in your heart that if you appear nervous, you will substantially reduce your chances of making to the final list. Some of the following tips can help reduce your anxiety about the interview.

The first impression is crucial

First impressions are crucial. The way you conduct yourself before the interview and during the first five to ten minutes of the interview will decide the impression you make in front of your interviewer and set your tone for the further conversation. Make your first contact with your interviewer a positive one – make sure to be on time, dress professionally, greet interviewer politely, give a firm handshake, sit upright in firm posture, make a proper eye contact and then get ready to talk further.

I found this ted talk by Amy Cuddy interesting about how holding power postures for 2 minutes is a great way to increase your testosterone and decrease in cortisol, something that interview aspirants may want to watch. (Link attached)

https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are#t-1235196

Read about the company

One must read up on the company before they go for an interview. Know about the company, its products and the market it operates in. Reading up beyond what the company website will be more beneficial. Reading up some news items and reports by independent analysts/ researchers on the company will only provide a better perspective. Other than knowing what company does, it would a good idea to know about company’s culture and values. Usually, interviewers are expecting that interviewee knows about the company so that they can engage in conversations where they would be keen to know how the interviewee can add value if they were hired, and do they fit the company culture.

Practice your answers

Fillers like ‘umm’, ‘ahh’, ‘you know’ should be avoided when you are answering for an interview. Practice your verbal answers before. Set up a mock interview with your family member or friend. Build a mock question bank and ask your friends to ask you those questions. When you practice what you have to say you feel more prepared for the interview and many of the fillers get avoided, making your replies crisp and to the point.  

Ask questions to your interviewer

Most interviews end up with interviewer asking “Do you have any questions for me?” but many interviewees miss this opportunity by simply responding “No!”. It may be a good chance to impress your interviewer or the other way round to look at it for you to know if the company is a good fit for you or not.

Based on your interview, you may choose what questions will appropriate. Some of the following questions (not limiting to the list below) may be good to ask if they have not already been answered.

  1. What is the biggest opportunity/ challenge I will face in this role?
  2. What kind of training will be provided in the company to get job ready?
  3. What is your most favorite part of working in this company?
  4. How do we move between departments/ or how company plan the growth of the employee?

Listening to what your interviewer has to say may provide a lot of clarity and remove apprehensions you may have about the job opportunity. 

Support yourself with Bach Flower Remedies

Even well-prepared interviewees may suffer from some stress because of the interview process. Interviewee may get distracted, start fidgeting, feel they have forgotten the answers, feel nervous and wanting to run out interview as soon as they can. Bach Flower Remedies can help you manage some of the issues so that you can sail through the interview with ease.

Mimulus to overcome fear of interview.

Larch for overcome lack of confidence.

Elm to overcome feeling of overwhelm, that is normally you are capable but currently feel overwhelmed with the current job interview.

Agrimony if you are pushing a smiling face and there is mental turbulence behind.

Cerato if you have been constantly seeking advice on how to manage the interview.

Rescue Remedy is a great for any last-minute anxiety.

It is possible that if after you prepare and do well at the interview, you are not the chosen candidate. Gentian can help get over the setback so that you are not hampering your future attempts.

If you have failed several interviews then maybe it could be time to think on your interview strategy, maybe you should change you are doing something or not doing something. Chestnut Bud may help you learn from your repeated mistakes.

(Disclaimer: The above list is a suggestive, one must make a personal blend after consulting a BFRP (Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner)).