How to Stay Calm Before a Job Interview

It's important to make a great impression when you go for a job interview, and this includes remaining calm and composed. If you look flustered and nervous, you won't appear confident. Fortunately, it's simple to calm your nerves before you start a job interview.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Arrive early. If you're late, you'll be upset and distracted. Give yourself at least ten or fifteen minutes in the waiting room to calm your nerves before the interview begins.

2. Breathe deeply. Deep breathing exercises are great for relaxing your body and de-stressing your mind. Slowly inhale deeply through your nose and then exhale completely through your mouth. Do this for thirty seconds or even a few minutes.

3. Meditate. Even if you're not the type of person who usually meditates, repeating a calming phrase or word over and over again can help ease your anxiety. Try a word like "confidence" or "peace."

4. Relax your muscles. Mentally assess all of your muscles--like your arms, your legs, your neck and your shoulders. As you think of these muscles, do your best to relax them. A relaxed body will help you feel calm.

5. Be prepared. You're more likely to feel calm if you're already prepared for this job interview. Review any information you brought about the company, and mentally rehearse some of the questions you plan to ask.

6. Imagine a peaceful scene. If everything else fails, use some mental imagery to calm your emotions. Imagine a peaceful scene--such as a serene beach or a mountain stream--while you wait for your interview to begin.