It’s normal to get nervous before an interview, but it can reflect badly on you as a candidate if it seems like you can’t handle stressful situations. Being confident is key for a great interview, and there are some simple steps you can take to stay cool, calm and collected. 

Before the Interview 

• Do Your Homework Always do your research before an interview - Google the company, their rivals and the industry, look up the company directors and the interviewers on LinkedIn to get a rounded picture of the company. Know the company’s mission statement and its values, having the full picture will ensure you’re not caught off guard by a question or topic.
  
• Be Prepared Write down questions you have for the interviewer, it’s perfectly fine to have notecards (and these will help if your mind goes blank!) Practice answering questions you know you’ll be asked, practice with a friend who’ll give you honest feedback. Practicing interviews will make you less nervous, better prepared and help you give more articulate answers. 
  

During the Interview

• Body Language Sit up straight with your shoulders squared, your voice will project better than if you’re hunched over and you’ll look more confident. If your hands are shaking, fold or clasp them in your lap until they calm down. If your voice is trembling or your breath is quick, stop for a second and take a couple of deep breaths and a sip of water. 
• Relax! Telling a nervous person to relax isn’t the most helpful advice, however remember that an interview – no matter how high level or important the position – should be a conversation, it’s a chance for you to find out more about the company as well as them to learn about you. Someone at the company saw your application and asked you to come in because they think you’d be good at the job, remind yourself that you are deserving of the position and hold your head up high. 
  

Find more interview tips as well as guides on writing CVs and cover letters on our candidate resources page. Upload your CV and we’ll be in contact with you, we appreciate the time that goes into preparing a CV so we promise to reply to every application we receive. 

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