How to Overcome Nervousness in Job Interviews

Looking for a job always comes down to that sweaty hour or so on the other side of the desk from the person you'll be working for. It can be nerve wracking indeed. And while the sweaty discomfort is certainly unpleasant enough, the way you react to such stress can blow your chances of getting the job.

Follow these easy tips to help overcome your job-interview jitters.

Build Yourself Up
Before you get to the interview, remind yourself constantly about your strengths and talents. Write them down and repeat them to yourself. Affirm what's really great about you and take it to heart.

Prepare
Find out ahead of time where the interview is located. Leave plenty of extra time in case of traffic jams and other unexpected delays. Get your clothes ready the day before. Whatever it takes, don't distract yourself with dumb details on the day of the interview.

Stay Positive
Negative thoughts are an extravagance you can't afford. Listen to upbeat music on the way there. Think only about your successes. Focus on all the great things that will happen as a result of this one interview -- even if you don't get the job, you'll be smarter and way better prepared for the next one.

Breathe
When nervous, breathing gets shallower. And that signals the brain that we're experiencing anxiety, triggering it to stay in that state because of the association it makes with that bodily action. Break the pattern and take regular deep breaths to calm yourself.

Smile and Act Confident
No matter what happens in the interview, don't let 'em see you get rattled. Smile. Look them in the eyes and carry on like you're the calm master of any situation. Sure, you might be totally faking that poise. But who cares. Your interviewers almost certainly won't be able to tell, and they'll treat you like the real deal.