How to Calm Those Interview Nerves (And Actually Enjoy It!)

Got a big interview coming up and feeling like a bundle of nerves? You’re not alone! Interview anxiety is totally normal—but the good news is, you can manage it like a pro. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to impress.

Women in interview room, nervous anxious

How to Reduce Interview Anxiety: 5 Key Strategies

Preparation is the Best Cure for Nerves

Ever heard the phrase "fake it till you make it"? Well, it applies here! Practicing common interview questions out loud helps your brain feel more comfortable when the real thing happens.

✅ Try this:

Google common interview questions and rehearse your answers in front of a mirror.
Record yourself answering (yes, it's awkward, but super effective!).
Get a friend, partner, or even your pet to "interview" you.

Pro Tip: Write down your key points in a notebook and skim them before your interview—instant confidence boost!

2. Become a Company Super-Sleuth

If you want to impress your interviewer, do some deep diving into the company. Employers love candidates who understand their values, mission, and what makes them tick.

✅ How to research like a boss:

Stalk—uh, I mean, check out—their website, LinkedIn, and social media.
Read their "About Us" page and recent news updates.
Think about how their values align with yours—this will help with the classic "Why do you want to work here?" question.

3. Give yourself a break

Job hunting is stressful, so don’t forget to take care of you. A relaxed mind = a better interview performance.

✅ Ways to stay zen before the big day:

Do something fun the night before—watch a movie, go for a walk, or hang out with friends.
Get a good night’s sleep (trust us, that extra Netflix episode can wait).
On the morning of the interview, do some light exercise—even a short walk helps with nerves!

4. Plan Like a Pro

A little logistical prep goes a long way in keeping last-minute panic at bay.

✅ Things to check in advance:

Where is the interview? If it's in person, drive by the location beforehand or check Google Maps for directions.
Parking situation? Make sure you know where to park (or how much time to allow for public transport).
What to bring? A copy of your CV, a notebook, and a water bottle = lifesavers.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in, breathe, and mentally prepare.

5. Breathe… No, Really!

When anxiety hits, your breath is your best tool. Deep breathing helps slow your heart rate and refocus your mind.

✅ Try this quick breathing exercise:

Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds.
Repeat 3-4 times and feel your stress levels drop.

Bonus tip: Check out guided meditation videos on YouTube if you need extra help calming down.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Nerves mean you care, and that’s a good thing! Just remember—you’ve already made it this far, which means the employer sees potential in you.

Need more help prepping for interviews? We’ve got you covered! At EnableWorks, we offer pre-employment coaching to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to land that dream job.

✨ Book a session with us today and turn those interview jitters into interview wins!

📞 Call us 033417234 | 0800622599 📧 Email: info@enableworks.co.nz, 🌍 Visit: www.enableworks.co.nz and let’s take your job search to the next level! Learn more about our career consulting services here.