Tips to tackle interview nerves

Interviews are a part of most post-graduate positions, including PhDs, graduate schemes or any kind of job. I get so nervous for interviews, especially when they are over video call. I’m still trying to figure out why video calls are more nerve racking than in-person interviews. Any ideas?

I thought I’d compile a list of tips and tricks suggested by our instagram community to tackle those horrible nerves.

1. The interview is as much about them impressing you as you impressing them (from @anxiousandadventurous ). This thought really helped take the spot light off of me.

2. Keep yourself busy before the interview to take your mind off it (from @chloehouseman and @_sianh ).

3. Imagine the worse case scenario and realise it will still be ok afterwards (from @nash.codes.ai ). (I’m now imagining asteroid strikes and zombie apocalypses).

4. Remember you are the master of your particular subject (from @asfaali_science ).

5. See the interview as a conversation, not an exam (@ionasophie.science ). I always feel like the interview is trying to catch me out, which is not the case.

6. Complete meditation/breathing/calming activities before the interview (from @sustainablyyoursliving and @lucypalf ).

Things to remember:

✨Over time, it will get easier (from @msanzcodina ). Practice makes perfect!

✨Most people get nerves - it’s totally normal.

✨The interviewer is trying to fill a place. They want you to do your best, not mess up.

✨If you weren’t qualified, you wouldn’t have been invited to the interview.

✨This is only a small part of your journey.

✨Rejection is GOOD. It leads you to other paths.

✨Always be yourself. The interviews want someone who will fit into their team.

Now go out and smash those interviews!