How to prep yourself mentally for the interview?

by Olevia Yuen - Recruitment Consultant | 20/04/2015

Research about the company, dress well, rehearse your answers, etc. Check!

We are sure that you have read enough articles on how to prepare for the technical aspects of the interview. But all of it is just half the game.

Being mentally prepared is fundamental in exuding a professional attitude and helps you deliver speeches with confidence in a natural and effortless way. Keep nervousness at bay and give yourself a mental booster before any interview by following our tips below.

A good night’s sleep helps to increase productivity at work. Having at least 7-8 hours of sleep allows us to wake up in a good mood, generate creative ideas which enable us to sail smoothly through a hectic day of work. It’s not surprising that the same can be applied to preparing for an interview.

If you don’t have all the experience required always be honest. Be confident and clear with the experience that you do have: good posture, no fidgeting, well-articulated, etc. Timid and nervous interviewees will notice that when they act confidently their interviewer will listen with more intent and exude positive body language. This is a real positive and a tell-tale sign that the interview is going well.

Before walking into the room, take at least half an hour to visualize how you will succeed the interview. By rehearsing beforehand, you can decrease anxiety and execute your actions more smoothly. Many industry leaders and public speakers utilize this skill to deliver compelling speeches.

Some interviewees say that one of their tricks to calm down nervousness is to slow down body movements. People are likely to be perceived as anxious when their actions are rigid such as twitchy hands and quick neck turns. In contrast, slower movements exude calmness and collectivity. Various books and articles had also written that slower smiles can even increase your credibility.