How to deal with anxiety during an interview? Together with Anna Maksymchuk, People Advisory Specialist, who has been working with EPAM students for more than four years, we have prepared step-by-step instructions on reducing the level of stress.
In short, preparation is the key. While it takes the lion’s share of your efforts, it will also spare you a lot of nerves. Tips on what to do in an interview if you suddenly feel jittery might be equally helpful. However, we recommend reading the text to the end: there is something worth doing even after the conversation has ended.
"To be prepared is half the victory"
It seems pretty straightforward: the more thorough the preparation, the lower the level of nervousness and stress since it is the unknown that usually causes them. When preparing, we play out different scenarios in our heads; it helps our brain stay calm during the interview: been there, done that, got the T-shirt. So, to avoid anxiety when meeting with a recruiter, focus on the following points:
- Find out where you are going. Look up some facts about the company. The information available from open sources would be enough; usually you can easily find information about the company’s history, values, latest news, etc., on its website. It will boost your confidence on a subconscious level. In addition, that will show the recruiter you are genuinely interested in the vacancy and the company.
- Make crib sheets. Stickers with reminders on the monitor, noticeboard, or laptop will help you focus if you have lost your train of thoughts. For example, a typical non-technical request to tell something about yourself can be somewhat confusing. While recounting your whole life from school to cooking classes is not necessary, sharing a few key points is worthwhile. At the beginning of a career, you could probably mention the experience of working with pet projects (just briefly: what the project was, what were your responsibilities, what technology did you use), volunteering, participation in professional communities, university events, etc. If we respond quickly, we give the impression of a confident person.
- Think about your strengths. Modesty, no doubt, is a virtue, but it may not be very appropriate in the interview. Take the time to compile a list of your knowledge and skills. It is an investment in your composure when talking to a recruiter. Apart from providing information to the company representative, clear and concise answers to questions about your strengths and achievements have a calming effect on you. By the way, recruiters are nervous too, because in the interview they represent not only themselves but also the company.
- Prepare your workspace. Check the Internet connection, image quality, background, reduce possible noise in advance so as not to add to your strain during the meeting. Make sure you have a glass of water within easy reach. Drinking water allows you to pause for a minute, think about the answer, and regain body contact to reduce anxiety. Sitting down in a chair, focus on your body, ask yourself if you are comfortable. Often, after the phrase “Make yourself comfortable!” a person shifts their body to a more relaxed position. Also, check if the camera is working and how you look. At the meeting, switch the camera on without waiting to be asked: this signals openness and sociability.
- Take some rest and get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep affects your appearance, as well as your cognitive abilities and stress resistance.
What should you do during an interview?
- Even your mood out. Before the interview, I would recommend taking a walk, drinking a cup of tea, something to switch the focus. It will help reduce the anxiety from the peak to the usual everyday level.
- Be sincere. Everyone understands that first interviews are anything but simple, so it is only natural to feel nervous. If you need a little time to collect your thoughts, just say so. Your honesty will be appreciated. Do not pretend to be someone other than yourself. After all, your personal qualities influence the decision just as much as your professional background. If you and the interviewer share similar values and views, they are very likely to support you and mentor you further on. “I may not know everything, but I'm a quick learner; finding any information in half an hour is my superpower,” – a beginner with that kind of attitude will be welcome in any team.
- Ask questions. It is a must. The interview is a perfect chance to demonstrate your commitment and proactive approach. You can prepare questions in advance, or you can ask standard ones: what will be your area of responsibility, what frameworks and programming languages will be used, what opportunities are there for Junior specialists, i.e., English courses, mentoring, training, etc. To establish good communication and meaningful dialogue, you can also voice your expectations. Thus, you will have time to think and calm down. And don't be afraid to ask to repeat the question if you have not understood it: “Could you please rephrase the question? I would like to make sure that I’ve got this right...” Without understanding the question, we will not be able to answer correctly.
- Breathe. When being interviewed online, it is crucial to interpret the reactions of the interlocutors correctly. Has my answer gone well? Or have they been disappointed? Should I continue or stop? The uncertainty, as you know, only increases stress and anxiety. There are many breathing practices that can help you deal with this. But even if you are unfamiliar with them, taking a few deep breaths and saying: “I feel a little nervous. Could you please give me a minute?” should do the trick.
- Feel at ease. It may sound easier said than done, but in fact, it is not that complicated. Just recall your successful experience. Surely, you had difficult exams or tests that you nailed. Recall that feeling of success and lean on it.
A few tips for ending the interview.
When there are no more questions, the interview seems to be over. However, Anna wants to highlight a couple of points that she advises you to pay attention to.
- Say thank you. After all, regardless of the outcome, it was a valuable experience. People gravitate to people, who reach out to others, so let the interviewer know that their time and efforts are appreciated.
- Introspect. Note what has worked out well, what still needs some improvement, what questions you have struggled with, so you can prepare for them in the future.
We wish you never to feel jittery before an interview and always get the sought-after job offer!
