We’ve all experienced pre-interview jitters at least once. Politicians, successful professionals, and famous world leaders have all felt some level of anxiety in their lives, so it’s completely normal to feel anxious going into an important interview. However, anxiety shouldn’t jeopardize your chances at landing that dream job you’ve always wanted. This is where CRG can help.

At CRG, our IT recruiters understand the unique role that information technology plays in today’s job market. That’s why we’ve earned the reputation as one of the top agencies for IT staffing and consulting in Charlotte, NC. Job seeking professionals who would benefit from an IT recruiter in Charlotte, NC can work with our team and increase their chances at finding the perfect employment opportunity. Our staff can also help you reduce your interview anxiety with these five tips.

  1. Watch your diet before an interview.

Most of us love to have our coffee in the morning, but it’s recommend to skip it on the morning of an interview. For some people, just one cup of coffee can ramp up their anxiety level and can even make them physically shaky. It might seem obvious, but don’t drink alcohol before an interview, either, regardless of how much it might relax you. Have a light meal, such as a smoothie or some fruit with toast, instead.

  1. Put your thoughts on paper.

Even if you only have five minutes to spare before your big interview, grab a pad of paper and get your thoughts scribbled down. Writing is a therapeutic way to channel your anxiety and give your mind an outlet for relaxation. It doesn’t matter what you write, either. Just put your pen on the paper and go.

  1. Prepare for common questions.

It’s impossible to know everything that you’ll be asked during an interview, but you can still prepare by being ready for some of the most common questions. Use your anxiety to help you prepare. Research the company that you are interviewing with and practice smiling in the mirror. You can recite answers to anticipated questions, such as “Why do you want to work for us?” Think about what makes you the most qualified candidate for the job, then practice giving a firm handshake while you’re at it. The more prepared you feel for the interview, the more confident you will appear.

  1. Do some deep breathing.

When you’re feeling anxious, it manifests in both emotional and physical ways. One of the physical markers is shallow breathing. Try this breathing exercise: Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 2 and then breathe out for a count of 4. You can practice this exercise for two minutes, and you can do it anywhere – in your car before walking in to the interview, in the waiting area of the interview location, or even in the bathroom. Nobody will notice you doing it, so there’s no reason to feel self-conscious. There are hundreds of Youtube videos, books and CDs that can explain breathing techniques in greater detail.

  1. Get outside of your head.

Anxiety makes us feel self-absorbed and egocentric. When you’re feeling overly anxious, it might seem an unlikely time to practice empathy, but it will take your mind off the present moment and help reduce your anxiety level. Try to get outside of your head. Greet the parking lot attendant or the receptionist at the site where you are interviewing. Ask questions and engage with others on the morning of your big day.

For more tips to overcome pre-interview anxiety, contact us at 844-CRG-WORK.