Soothing Interview Anxiety: Essential Tips for Job Seekers

Interviews can feel like a rollercoaster ride, exciting but also nerve-wracking. If you’ve ever found yourself sweating over what to say or how to act, you’re not alone. Many people experience interview anxiety, especially if they haven’t been in the interview game for a while. 

As a Sr. Manager of Talent Acquisition, I’ve taken part in hundreds of candidate interviews. And trust me, I’ve seen it all. It’s that first-hand experience that makes me confident in saying preparation is the key to success. With preparation, you can walk into that room — or attend that virtual interview — feeling ready to shine. Here are some common interview anxieties and my tips to help you prepare effectively.

Common Interview Worries:

• What Will They Ask?: The fear of unexpected questions can be overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing how to answer.
• Am I Good Enough?: It’s natural to compare yourself to other candidates. You might think, “What if they’re more qualified than I am?” This can lead to self-doubt.
• Body Language Concerns: You might be anxious about how you come across. Will you fidget? Will you make enough eye contact? These thoughts can distract you from focusing on the conversation.
• Overthinking After the Interview: Once it’s over, you might replay your answers in your head, wondering if you could have done better. This can lead to unnecessary stress.

Simple Tips for Interview Preparation:

1. Know the Company: Take some time to learn about the company. What do they do? What are their values, focus areas, company goals? This knowledge can help you connect your answers to what they care about.
2. Practice Common Questions: Think about typical interview questions like:
   • Tell me about yourself
   • What are your strengths?
   • Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?
   • Why are you interested in this opportunity?
3. Use the STAR Method: For questions about your past experiences, try the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps you tell a clear story about your achievements. Example Question:

"Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a significant challenge at work?"

STAR Response:

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Company, we were tasked with launching a new product within a tight deadline. However, two weeks before the launch, we discovered that a key component of the product was delayed due to supply chain issues.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure that the project stayed on track and that we met the launch date without compromising the quality of the product.

Action: I organized an emergency meeting with my team to brainstorm solutions. We decided to source the component from a different supplier, which required negotiating new terms and expediting shipping. I also communicated transparently with our marketing team to adjust our promotional strategy in case of any delays. I coordinated closely with the new supplier to ensure timely delivery and kept all stakeholders updated on our progress.

Result: As a result of our quick action and teamwork, we received the component just in time, and we successfully launched the product on the original date. The launch was well-received, and we exceeded our sales targets by 20% in the first quarter. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and proactive communication in overcoming challenges.

Using the STAR method helps you provide a clear and concise answer that highlights your problem-solving skills and achievements. Here’s more detailed information on the STAR method, which we use at UKG.

4. Prepare Your Own Questions: Think of a few questions to ask the interviewer about company, team, benefits, culture etc. This shows you’re interested and helps you learn more about the job and company.
5. Relax Beforehand: Arriving early can give you a moment to gather your thoughts.
6. Dress for Success: Showcase a confident and polished demeanor that not only makes you feel self-assured but is also suitable for the company. When you project confidence, it often boosts your overall well-being as well.
7. Remember Your Strengths: Remind yourself of what you bring to the table. Think about the skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the job and the company. It’s a two-way street, you are recruiting each other.
8. Follow Up: After the interview, send a thank-you email. It’s a nice touch and keeps you on the interviewer’s mind.

Practice your answers out loud, this part is important and will help you feel more comfortable when it’s time to respond in person.

Final Thoughts

Feeling anxious before an interview is completely normal, especially if you haven’t done it in a long time. The key is to prepare and remind yourself that you’re capable, you’ve made it this far, and they need you. Each interview is a chance to learn and grow, so take a deep breath, trust yourself, and go for it! You’ve got this!