Just been called for an interview? Did you feel your pulse rise, just at the thought of it? I witness this reaction with clients on a weekly basis. Upon receiving the ‘call’ to interview, our natural response is to go into reactive mode and start to stress about what might happen. Our brain starts releasing cortisol as part of the body’s stress response. Cortisol triggers several physiological changes, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, which help to prepare us for a fight-or-flight response.
Here are some of my tips to help calm those nerves and shift your focus to the broader aspect of the interview
- Research the company: Before the interview, take some time to learn as much as you can about the company. Look at their website, social media, and news articles to get a sense of their culture, values, and goals. Think about what aspects of the company and the role interest you and what questions you have. Always do some reading beyond just the company website.
- Prepare questions: Instead of just waiting to be asked questions, come prepared with your own questions to ask the interviewer. It is important to remember that the role needs to match your interest as well. Hirers’ attitudes are changing in that they are wanting to hear how interested the candidate is in the role, as after all, it is a two-way street!
- Practice active listening: During the interview, make a conscious effort to actively listen to what the interviewer is saying. Try to understand their perspective and use this as an opportunity to ask related questions to clarify any points you are unsure about.
- Embrace uncertainty: It’s natural to feel uncertain or anxious during an interview but try to view these feelings as an opportunity to learn and grow. At times, it can be a relief for everyone if you do admit to being slightly nervous! Small talk
- Use storytelling. Within STAR structured responses, make sure to include tangible detail, such as ‘I had a team of 5, and we had quarterly budgets to meet’. This enables the interviewer to have a strong visual. As humans are wired to remember stories, tap into this method. Always use an actual example, never hypothetical, or several examples blended.
In a nutshell, do your best to embrace a sense of curiosity about this experience and ‘wonder’ about this job without any preconceived ideas. How many times have you been caught out having presupposed thoughts and playing the whole scenario out before walking in the door? Before viewing the interview as a high-pressure situation in which you must perform perfectly, try to approach it as an opportunity to learn more about the company, the role, and the people you will be working with.
When we engage in curiosity, our brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. Dopamine is released in response to novel and uncertain stimuli, encouraging us to seek out more information and learn new things. This positive feedback loop can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and a sense of enjoyment, which in turn can reduce stress and anxiety, creating a positive emotional state and encouragement to continue exploring and learning.
