Job Interview Trick: How to Calm Your Nerves

Ever been nervous? If so, you might have experienced sweaty palms, a sense of lightheadedness and rambling speech - and none of those things will help you make a great impression at a job interview.

Unfortunately, the stressful nature of a job interview can be enough to make almost anyone nervous. But you don't have to worry about a clammy handshake and stammering chatter if you try a few simple tricks to calm your nerves:

Arrive early. Very early. Everyone knows you should be a few minutes early for your job interview. But if you're easily disturbed by stressful situations, you should strive to arrive about thirty minutes early. Sit in your car or a nearby coffee shop, and use the time to relax. Then head to the restroom to check your clothes and overall appearance. If you feel confident and secure, you'll be less likely to succumb to your nerves.

Smile! Smiling makes us seem friendly and confident - even if we don't feel it! And studies have found that even forcing a smile will make us feel a little bit happier. When you portray confidence, the interviewer will treat you with respect, which makes it easier to relax your nerves. So smile confidently when you greet the interviewer.

Take a moment to answer. Before you answer any questions, take just one moment to inhale a deep breath and give the question some quick thought. It may seem like an eternity has passed, but it will only be one or two seconds - and your pause will seem like a natural, thoughtful pause. Moreover, the deep breath will help calm you, and preparing the answer in your mind means you'll be less nervous when you speak.

Look at the interviewer's face. If meeting the interviewer's eyes makes you nervous, then start at the spot right between his/her eyebrows. (Avoid staring at noses and mouths, however. Since they're below the eyes, most of us can tell when someone is looking at those parts of our bodies.)

Relax your body. Is there a lull in the conversation? Use that opportunity to assess your body. Are you rigid and tight? Are your muscles clenched? A tightly clenched body will feel tense and stressed. If your muscles are rigid, relax your muscles as much as possible (without slumping in your chair). You'll feel - and appear - more comfortable and confident.

It's not unusual to feel nervous during a job interview. But follow these basic stress-relieving techniques, and you'll be less likely to feel anxiety during the event. Just remember: the interviewer already knows you're nervous. There's no need to advertise the fact with tense muscles, rambling speech and a lack of eye contact.