How to stay calm during an interview

To stay calm in an interview, follow this guide:

Do the proper preparation

Do an adequate amount of preparation for your interview in order to help you remain calm during it. This means do a fair amount of research on the organization you are interviewing with and find out about their key products or services, and their company culture.

You can do this on the company's website, but you can also seek out reviews from previous employees on career websites to get an idea of what the interview is going to be like and what the experience of working for the company is overall.

Make sure you have all the items you need well beforehand

Do not wait till moments before you leave for the interview (or sign in online to attend) to print out (or send or link to) necessary documents like your resume or work portfolio. Have any necessary items ready at least a day beforehand. This will help you to clear your mind and focus in the lead up to your interview.

In addition to documents, this also applies to what you will wear. Be sure to pick out an outfit the day before your interview.

Finally, if you are going in person, it is not a bad idea to map out your drive or transportation plans the night before. This can help you avoid the stress of being on time for the interview and be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early, unless directed otherwise by your potential employer.

Rehearse your answers

It is a good idea to research common questions that either your position or company gives in interviews. This way you can prepare by practicing your answers. You can write them out to make them succinct, however, do not just memorize them as this can come off as robotic.

In the moment of the interview you want your answers to feel authentic and candid, so get comfortable in answering the questions in different ways beforehand.

Call the HR department

If you are confused or don't know something pertaining to the interview, call the organization's HR department. They can assist in clearing up any confusion or even answering simple questions referring to things like what you should wear.

Being proactive is a good way to stay focused and relieve unnecessary stress.

Try to remain positive about your interviewer

Employ good posture

During your interview practice good posture. This is not only for the intended effect of portraying confidence to your interviewing, sitting up straight and not fidgeting too much will help you to remain focused and calm.

Focus on your assets

It is easy to feel underqualified or not worthy of the position. Even if you are lacking in certain areas, reverse that psychology and think about the attributes and skills you have that make you a good fit for the role.

Take your time when answering questions

If you are caught off guard by a question you weren't prepared for, don't dive right into a scrambling answer. Take a moment to compose your thoughts, a brief pause when considering an answer is totally acceptable in an interview.

Remember just about everyone gets nervous in interviews

Take solace in the fact that you are not alone in getting nervous during your interview. Just about everyone does. Your interviewer is aware of this fact too. Acknowledging it in your mind can lead to acceptance and even help to calm you down if you are having a rough moment.