5 weird ways to beat interview nerves

Your mouth goes dry. Your palms drip with sweat. Your voice comes out as a squeak. Meanwhile, your brain is desperately trying to remember the name of the interviewer and the question they just asked you.

Sound familiar? It’s no surprise. Interviews can be nerve-wracking. But they don’t have to get in the way of you bagging your dream job.

How can you beat interview nerves? Here are five bizarre tactics that actually work:

1. Eat fish and nuts

Fancy a pre-interview snack? How about some almonds? Or salmon?

Nuts and fish are packed with omega 3 - an energy source that helps keep your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system functioning efficiently.

Omega 3 stimulates the Vegas nerve (which controls functions in your body such as digestion). If you increase your intake before an interview, it’ll help reduce your blood pressure and heart rate, leaving you in a state of pre-interview zen.

2. Breathe through your nose

We speed up our breathing when we’re nervous. But you can slow it down by doing the following just before your interview: Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of three, then breathe out through your nose for a count of three. Repeat this three times. It should take a total of 18 seconds.

In that time, your heart rate will have lowered significantly.

When you speak, you’ll sound composed and you won't rush.

3. Relax your jaw

Another way to trick your body into thinking you’re calm and composed is to open your mouth and let it go limp. Allow the tongue and jaw to completely relax. It sends a signal to your body telling it to reduce cortisol and adrenaline production, which helps you return to a state of calm.

It goes without saying, do this before the interview. Not in front of the panel.

4. Squeeze your bottom

This one is a game-changer. Are your legs shaking uncontrollably? Squeeze your bottom.

It's almost physically impossible for the rest of your body to shake if your glute muscles are clenched. Tensing your thighs works too.

Just be sure to wear clothes that disguise it

5. Think of the interview as a conversation

Reframing how you think about an interview can relieve stress. Remind yourself that a job interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Yes, they’re trying to figure out if you’re the best person for the role, but it’s also your chance to determine if the position and charity would be a good fit for you.

Prepare some questions in advance. It’ll help to create a more equal power dynamic and reduce feelings of intimidation.

Need some more help? We’ve got a lot more tips up our sleeve. Give us a call on 0203 750 3111 for a chat.