This is one of the biggest problems job seekers face especially when appearing for interviews. Nervousness in an interview is completely normal as the people before you probably, you are meeting them for the first time. However , it’s imperative to manage your nerves and focus on showcasing your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job opening before you.

Follow the below on how to quench nervousness and boost your confidence to Ace interviews.

1. Practice mock interviews:

Enlist the help of; HR professionals, friends, family members and career counselors to conduct mock interviews with you. This shall help you become more comfortable with the interview process, simulate the interview environment, provide you with constructive feedback on your performance and work on your shortcomings, chance to practice your responses, practice answering questions confidently, eye contact and projecting your voice.

2. Dress professionally and arrive prepared:

Choose appropriate professional attire for the interview. Dressing well makes you feel more confident and relaxed. Avoid overfitting and short skirts as they discomfort in sitting and poster positioning. Carry copies of your CV, identifications and any other necessary supporting documents as per the job advert and interview invite.  Being prepared helps alleviate last-minute stress.

3. Maintain good body language:

During the interview, sit up straight, maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, take good posture, keep calm, smile with good facial expressions. Good body language can help project confidence, even if you’re feeling nervous.

4. Arrive early:

Plan to arrive at the interview location. This shall allow you time to collect your thoughts, calm your nerves and do some research about the company, its environment and operations by visiting their noticeboard, handbook or other materials. Respect everyone you meet at the interview location Moreso, the Security guards and office receptionists. Befriending them only allows you a chance to access information about the company.

5. Prepare thoroughly:

Proper preparation is key to feeling more confident. Research the company, understand the role you’re applying for, read and understand the technicalities of each point in the job description in detail, anticipate potential interview questions and likely scenarios. The more prepared you are, the less anxious you’ll feel.

6. Listen carefully:

When the interviewer is speaking; focus, actively listen and pay attention to details of what they’re saying. This helps you appreciate the needs of the recruiter but also, aids you to craft responses that suit the likely problems at hand. Being attentive helps you stay present in the moment and prevent your mind from wandering to negative thoughts.

7. Focus on your achievements:

Remind yourself of your accomplishments and skills before the interview. Recognizing your strengths can boost your self-confidence and reduce nervousness. These include projects, assignments and leadership roles fulfilled in your previous work and education.

8. Listen carefully:

When the interviewer is speaking, focus and actively listen to what they’re saying. This will help you stay present in the moment and prevent your mind from wandering to negative thoughts. Where you have not properly understood the question, politely ask the interviewer to pardon you or rephrase the question again.

9. Turn nervousness into enthusiasm:

Instead of viewing your nervousness as a negative and wallowing into pessimism, try to reframe it as excitement. It’s natural to feel some adrenaline before an important event but keep channeling and projecting your efforts and energy positively so it can be beneficial.

10. Visualize success:

Take a few minutes before the interview to Imagine a successful interview scenario whilst optimistically visualizing yourself performing well, confidently answering questions, maintaining good body language, building rapport with the interviewer and finally acing the interview. This positive visualization helps you to curb anxiety but also improve your overall performance.

11. Control your breathing:

Deep breathing can help calm nerves. Before the interview, take deep breaths, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. This can trigger your body’s relaxation response. Reaching the interview venue early enough helps you blend in and get the required ambiance. 

12. Ask clarifying questions:

If you’re unsure about a question, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s not punished to ask the interview to pardon you but, it’s grave of you to answer wrongly an interview question. Asking for clarity shows that you’re engaged and genuinely interested in understanding the question details.

13. Be Authentic:

Be yourself throughout the interview. Don’t try to present a false image of yourself as it can add to your anxiety. Show your true personality, highlight your strengths, and be honest about your experiences. Don’t exaggerate and veer off as it shall only call for more question. Admit what you don’t know. 

14. Practice positive self-talk:

Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Tell yourself that you’re qualified for the position and that you have valuable required skills needed for the job before you. Revise the job description and equip yourself with the required skills.  15. Learn from each experience: Remember that each interview is an opportunity to learn and grow. Take Time to evaluate your performance afterward and identify areas for improvement. Make it a habit to learn and take lessons from interviews.  From each interview, you will gain more experience and confidence but most importantly, keep improving by deliberately correcting your first mistakes.