Many people usual feel ecstatic when initially being informed that they have made it to the interview stage of an application process, but this rarely lasts too long as nerves and anxiety set in. The vast majority of people struggle getting sleep the night before an interview with all different scenarios and fears running through their heads.

Below we'll look at a few tips to beat your nerves before and during an interview.

If you are feeling nervous in the days leading up to the interview, the following activities can help you relax and take your mind off the interview:

Play Music: Music can help distract yourself from everything else going on around you. Whether its been a stressful day in school, college or work, music can help you forget about it all, even if its just for a few minutes. Music can help block out any negative thoughts and help you feel more confident in yourself.
Practice Makes Perfect: Practice answering popular interview questions. Imagine different scenarios in the interview and make sure you have answers prepared for each scenario. This will help increase your confidence going into the interview knowing that you are well prepared.
Breathing Boost: Can often sound silly but often makes a big difference when feel anxious or nervous. Slowly breathing in and out, while holding each breath in for a few seconds can make drastic changes. This forces yourself to concentrate on what you are doing and reduces nerves and anxiety.

When you are in an interview, there are a number of common signs that a person is nervous which an interviewer will notice straight away. If you know what these are now, before the interview, it will allow you to prepare for them and give you an opportunity to hide them during the interview. These signs are:

Touching your hair/face: These straight away give off the impression that you are nervous. Bring in a pen or something to hold to prevent yourself from being able to do this.
Crossed Arms/Legs: Doing this often makes you look like your shy or that you are blocking yourself off from the interviewer. It is important to find a position you feel comfortable sitting in.
Trembling Voice: Before answering a questions, take a deep breath to gather your thoughts to prevent any stuttering throughout your answers.
Mumbling your words: Slow down the speed you talk at. Without noticing it, nerves will make you talk very fast, so make a conscious effort to slow down so that the interviewer can easily pick up everything you are saying.
Eye Contact: Looking down at your feet or constantly looking around the room can make you seem shy or that you are not interested in what is going on. Keeping eye contact will make you seem confident and interested. Maybe try this with friends or family for a bit before the interview as it can be a bit intimidating at the start for some people.

	Created by Jonathan Moore about 8 years ago

A few tips to help you stay relaxed before and during an interview and avoid giving away obvious signs that you are nervous.