Written by Vaclav Koranda

Feeling Nervous at a Job Interview? Here Is What to Do (Plus a Free Autogenic Training Aid)

Motivation plays a crucial role in performing any task successfully, and job interviews are no exception. The relationship between arousal and performance is often described by the Yerkes-Dodson law, which is often expressed as an inverted-U function.

The basic concept is that as arousal level increases, performance improves, but only to a point. If you pass a certain threshold, further increases in arousal lead to a deterioration in performance. Thus, some arousal is necessary for efficient performance, but too much arousal leads to anxiety or stress, which degrades performance. 

Feeling excited before a job interview is entirely natural. However, if nervousness becomes overwhelming and negatively affects your performance, I recommend several coping strategies to help manage it effectively.

Over-Prepare

As noted above, excessive nervousness can reduce your performanceโ€”let’s say by 20-50%. If you prepare at 120-150% of whatโ€™s required, youโ€™ll still be able to deliver your full potential even when nerves hit. By over-preparing, you can prevent potential memory lapses and maintain confidence throughout the interview.

Read more:

Take Enough Time

Ensure your schedule allows ample time for the interview, including travel, parking, and potential delays. Rushing to the interview can add unnecessary stress, which will only heighten your nervousness. Plan ahead to arrive early (but not too early), giving yourself time to compose and prepare.

Read more: Arriving Early to a Job Interview Is Greatโ€ฆ Or Not?

Autogenic Training

Autogenic training is a relatively lesser-known yet powerful relaxation technique first introduced by German psychiatrist J.H. Schultz in 1932. The term autogenic means โ€œcoming from within.โ€ This method involves repeating a series of visualizations paired with verbal suggestions to achieve deep relaxation. It focuses on passive awareness of bodily sensations, such as the heaviness and warmth of the limbs, facilitated through self-suggestion.

Get my Autogenic Training Aid: Relax, calm down, and reduce nervousness before your job interview. This aid includes six sets of autogenic exercises with clear instructions to help you prepare and practice effectively. Click here to download your free copy and stay calm and focused for your next interview.

Take Magnesium

Consider dietary supplements or mineral water rich in magnesium. Magnesium, among other things, plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is important to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction and normal heart rhythm. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake can help your body relax more effectively.*

Reframe Your Focus

Getting the job isn’t the only goal. Treat the interview as a chance to learn and network โ€” even if you donโ€™t land the role, you can meet interesting people and gain valuable experiences that could benefit you in the future.

Read more: The Power of Networking

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, feeling nervous during a job interview is very common. Fortunately, recruiters are used to interviewing nervous candidates, so being anxious wonโ€™t damage your impression too much. Remember, every interview is just one piece of the puzzle, one step in your broader job search process (see the chapter “I Will Never Get a Job!” in my book Get Your Dream Job).

Good luck!

*) Only take dietary supplements from trusted sources. Always follow the provided instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage. If you are taking medication, experience any issues, or are unsure, consult your physician.

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Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co and I will come back to you!

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