Nervous About Your Interview? Here’s How to Handle It
Everyone gets nervous before a job interview—even the most experienced professionals. Sweaty palms, racing thoughts, second-guessing every answer in your head before you’ve even walked through the door—it’s normal. But too much anxiety can cloud your confidence and make it hard to show up as your best self.
As a staffing recruiter, I’ve seen outstanding candidates freeze up simply because they let nerves take the lead. The good news? Interview anxiety is completely manageable with the right preparation and mindset.
Here’s how to calm your nerves and walk into your next interview feeling prepared, confident, and in control.
1. Know Your Resume Inside and Out
If it’s on your resume, be ready to talk about it. Practice walking through your work history in a way that highlights your accomplishments, not just your responsibilities.
Why this helps:
Confidence often comes from preparation. When you know your own experience front to back, you’re less likely to get caught off guard.
2. Prepare for the Most Common Interview Questions
You don’t need to rehearse every possible scenario, but you should be ready for:
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.”
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and confidently.
3. Do Your Research on the Company
Learn the basics: their mission, values, products, and recent news. Be familiar with the job description, too. This not only helps you answer questions better, but also shows genuine interest.
Why this helps:
When you understand the company and the role, it’s easier to connect your experience to their needs—and that builds confidence.
4. Practice Out Loud
Saying your answers in your head isn’t enough. Practice speaking them out loud, either alone, with a friend, or in front of a mirror.
Why this helps:
It helps reduce awkward pauses, improves your tone, and gets you comfortable hearing yourself talk about your experience.
5. Dress the Part
Choose a professional outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re unsure of the dress code, lean more formal.
Why this helps:
When you look the part, you feel the part—and confidence tends to follow.
6. Arrive (or Log In) Early
For in-person interviews, aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. For virtual interviews, log in at least 5 minutes ahead to test your internet, audio, and camera.
Why this helps:
Being early reduces last-minute panic and shows you’re reliable and respectful of others’ time.
7. Breathe and Slow Down
If you feel your nerves creeping in right before the interview, try this simple technique:
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat a few times.
Why this helps:
It calms your nervous system and helps you focus.
8. Remember—Interviews Go Both Ways
It’s easy to forget this, but the interview is also your chance to see if you want to work there. This perspective helps shift the pressure and can calm nerves.
Tip: Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end, such as:
- “What does success look like in this role?”
- “How would you describe the team culture?”
- “What are the biggest priorities for the first 90 days?”
9. Accept That Some Nerves Are Normal
You don’t need to eliminate anxiety—you just need to manage it. Nerves can actually help you stay sharp and engaged, as long as they don’t take over.
10. Follow Up with Confidence
After the interview, send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. It’s a chance to reinforce your interest and appreciation.
Final Thoughts from a Recruiter
Nerves before an interview are human—but they don’t have to hold you back. The best way to handle anxiety is to prepare, practice, and remind yourself that you’ve already done the hard part: getting the interview.
Now it’s your moment to show why you’re the right fit—not with perfection, but with preparation and authenticity.
Need help getting your resume interview-ready?
ImpressResume.com/shop offers ATS-friendly resume bundles designed by a recruiter to help you land the interview—and feel confident when you walk into it.
