How to avoid Job Interview Stress

By Sanday Chongo Kabange

Being in employment is something that you, as a potential employee, have to prepare for adequately. And that means being ready for that all-important interview, where you need to sell yourself!

As a way of preparing for your job interview, we have put together some helpful tips that might assist you overcome stress or nervousness that might occur before or during your job interview.

Interview Tips

• When the day for the interview comes, ensure that you arrive at the venue a few minutes early. 10 to 20 minutes would be ideal. This way, you will have ample time to settle yourself and reduce the pace of your heartbeat.
• Arriving early for an interview appointment will also help you reduce the mental tension that might have accumulated as a result of panic or excitement.
• Go alone. Do not take children or friends. 
• Greet the employer with a handshake. 
• Make frequent eye contact. 
• Smile, be polite, and try to relax.

• Make sure that you fully understand the dealings and operations of the company that you have shown interest in joining. Many interviewers will ask you questions related to the operations of the company. Therefore, it is important that you know the workings of the company. If you have some background about a company, this will reduce interview-related stress, panic or nervousness.
• Try to be informal but professional when responding to questions from the panel of interviewers. Avoid being very formal because this might lead to a high accumulation of stress.  Speak in a conversational manner, but respond professionally.
• Listen carefully to the questions asked. Ask the interviewer to restate a question if you are confused.
• If offered an opportunity, ask questions that are related to the performance and practice of the company rather than questions that refer to personal gains.
• Most of all, never assume the role of an interviewer. You are the interviewee. It is your response and explanations that add credibility and value to your interview.  

Why you might not get hired 

• Lack of eye contact.

• Untidy personal appearance.

• Inability to express information clearly.

• Incomplete or untidy application.

• Being late for the interview.

• Lack of genuine interest or enthusiasm.

• Negative attitude.

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