How to Deal With Interview Nerves as an Intern or Entry-Level Job Candidate

Whether you're a student applying for an internship or a recent graduate seeking a full-time job, interviews can be nerve-wracking — which is completely normal. In fact, 93% of Americans experience anxiety related to job interviews. But while you may not be alone with your pre-interview butterflies, sweaty palms, and general feelings of dread, you are also not powerless to take control of your situation and enter interviews more confidently. 

Below we’ve laid out the steps you can take to manage your nerves and present your best self in your interview(s) — so you can relieve interview jitters and make a great impression on your potential employer.

Interview preparation is key

To relieve as many interview nerves as possible, it's essential to know what to expect. Here’s are a few ways you can prepare ahead of your interview: 

Research the company, interviewer, and job description

Before you go into the interview, you should research the company and role thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and services they offer. Understand the job description and the skills needed for success in this position. Visit their website and social media channels to understand their company culture better.

Additionally, you’ll also want to learn about who will be interviewing you so that you can ask thoughtful questions based on their backgrounds and experiences. Visit their LinkedIn profile to learn more about their professional journey, such as where they studied and what positions they've previously held.

Learning about the company, the job, and the interviewer will also help you ask more informed questions. It shows the hiring manager that you're taking the job seriously and have put in the effort to prepare for the interview.

Practice common interview questions and answers

Not all interviews are the same — but you can be sure that some questions will pop up across multiple conversations that you will have. You can take control and advantage of your upcoming interview by anticipating those common questions and practicing responding to them. 

Common interview questions include:

• What are your strengths?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What are your long-term career goals?
• How do you plan to make an impact?
• What do you expect to gain from this?
• What are your work expectations?

By rehearsing and practicing potential questions and answers, you'll be more prepared and confident when the interviewer asks them. This will also help calm your nerves since you won't need to worry about what you will answer. You can practice with a friend or family member or record yourself on video to play it back and see where you need to improve. Make sure the answers you come up with highlight the skills and qualities that make you a great fit for this job.

Shift your mindset to positive thinking

Feeling anxious is normal, but it's important to refocus on the positive rather than dwell on the negatives. Positive thinking can help shift your focus from worrying about potential issues to feeling confident in yourself and your abilities.

Recognize that interview nerves are normal

Almost everyone will experience some degree of anxiety and nerves before an interview. Remember, this is normal, so don't beat yourself up for nervousness. By understanding that being anxious is normal, you can manage your emotions better and put things in perspective.

Reframe interview nerves as excitement

Rather than thinking of your nerves as something negative, try to think of them as an opportunity for excitement. Remember why you want the job and how much it could benefit your career. Also, think about all your great qualities that can help you land the position. Focusing on the opportunity instead of the pressure will help you stay calm during the interview.

Utilize proven strategies to stay calm during a job interview

Behavioral scientists and psychologists have been studying nerves and anxiety for quite a while now, and there are tips and tricks that they've put together that can help you during your conversation. Throughout the interview, there are strategies you can use to stay calm and collected:

Use positive self-talk before heading into the interview

You can use positive self-talk to counter negative thoughts and focus on the positive. For example, you might say, "I'm well prepared, and I know I'm the right candidate for this job." Speaking positive intentions aloud can help you stay focused and motivated.

Try deep breathing and relaxation techniques

Deep breathing helps to slow your heart rate and relax your body. So take a few deep breaths before the interview, during breaks, or when you feel overwhelmed.

Practice active listening and engagement

Focusing on what the interviewer says and engaging in the conversation can help keep your mind off your worries. Be an active listener by making eye contact, nodding along, and asking questions to show you're paying attention. By listening attentively and responding with similar language, you can show the interviewer that you understand their questions and can provide thoughtful, informed answers.

Take the time to pause and think

Many people feel the need to respond immediately, but it's important to take the time to think about your answers. Rather than rushing your answer or saying the first thing that comes to mind, take a few seconds before responding. This will help you control your emotions and think about what you want to say.

Use your post interview reflection time to grow

Once your interview is complete, take the time to reflect on what you've learned. This will help you identify areas where you need improvement and allow you to grow as an interviewee in the future.

Celebrate completing the interview

First and foremost, congratulate yourself on completing the interview. You should be proud of yourself for getting through it and use this as a stepping stone to continue your job search.

Identify areas for improvement

Consider the response to each question and identify areas where you could have done better. If you recall questions that were difficult or you struggled to answer, use this to hone your interviewing skills. Remember that no one is perfect, so don't be too hard on yourself.

Learn from the experience

Ultimately, use the interview experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. You may or may not have landed the job, but by reflecting on the questions asked, your answers, and your overall experience, you can become better prepared for future interviews.

The job interview process can be daunting, but it's important to remember that feeling nervous is normal. By following these tips and strategies, you can take control of your emotions and showcase your skills in the best way possible. Taking on the challenge of interviews can help college students to gain invaluable experience and develop important skillsets that will benefit them in the long run. So, regardless of any fears, be sure to take the step and go for the interview — you'll never know what amazing opportunities await!

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