How to Mentally Prepare for an Interview

There are the logistical ways to prepare for a job interview – make sure your resume is updated and tailored to the position you’re looking to obtain, have some knowledge about the company, come up with thoughtful questions, etc. However, I want to focus on the different ways to prepare your mind for an upcoming interview. 

Mentally preparing for an interview isn’t just to make yourself feel better; it really helps determine which self you show in the interview as well. Mentally preparing the right ways can help make you seem more calm, collected, and confident – which is what hiring managers like to see in a good candidate. Getting your mind in a good spot prior to the interview can help alleviate any pre-interview anxiety, negative self-talk, and even help your physical body be at its best. 

Here are some tips in getting your mind to its best state before your interview:

1. Benefit your mind, while using your body.

Whether it’s going to the gym, doing an at home work out, or just getting outside for a nice stroll, exercise is the way to go. Using your body to get rid of some of that excess energy is a great way for you to seem calm and prepared for an interview. Exercise also reduces levels of the stress hormones, while stimulating the production of endorphins (which is just a fancy word for chemicals in your brain that are natural painkillers and mood elevators). You can learn more about how exercising helps with stress from this Harvard article here.

2.  Create a relaxing environment – but don’t force it!

Creating a relaxing environment isn’t always easy. Whether you have kids or pets running around the house or a to-do list that goes on for miles, creating that space to calm you down doesn’t always seem doable. You might feel the pressure to create that space for your mind to go on a mini vacation, but I’m here to tell you: do not force it!

Forcing that relaxation is only going to tense you up and stress you out more. Just remember some key things:

• It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. You don’t need to go buy organic mud masks or special bath bombs. Do what is easiest for you so that the focus is on you getting a few minutes to unwind, rather than setting up the perfect movie-grade relaxation scene. 
• It doesn’t need to be long! If you have an hour to kill or enough time off to take a whole day, then absolutely go for it. But, if you don’t have that luxury, just give yourself 15 minutes with un-interrupted down time. Those dishes in your sink and that email you need to send can wait! 

3. Visualize positive results.

Picture what it feels like to ace that interview and get that job offer in your hand – feels pretty good, right? By visualizing positive results, we not only show our brains that it’s possible, but it’s a great way to kick those nerves and remain calm during the interview process. Another way to radiate positivity is to give yourself positive affirmations. Repeating positive statements can help increase your confidence and decrease any anxiety or negative self-talk that may start to sneak in. For examples and more information, check out this article from Indeed’s career advice section.

4. Dress for success – even if you don’t have to!

Dressing nicely for an interview is a great way to increase your attitude and self-confidence! Even for phone interviews, if you’re feeling great in what you’re wearing, you’ll feel better mentally as well. While we don’t always have to get dressed up for interviews that aren’t in person, putting in that effort to change out of those sweatpants will help you feel more productive, thus giving you a better outlook on your abilities and increase your self-confidence. 

There are lots of ways to help your mind before the interview process. In addition to these tips, remember to eat well, take time for deep breathing, and practice mindfulness to help fight those nerves. Be sure to check out our other blog posts when it comes to interview prep!  

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