Is It Bad To Be Nervous During An Interview?

Stomach butterflies, sweaty palms, racing hearts, and inability to focus: Sound familiar? We all know the feeling of nerves kicking in just before an interview. And while it can be scary to feel that way, is it actually bad to be nervous during an interview?

Well, to start with, feeling nervous during an interview is completely normal. In fact, feeling a bit of nervousness before a meeting can actually be a good thing. It shows that you’re taking the opportunity seriously and want to make a good impression.

Why do I feel nervous before an interview? Will it ruin my chances of bagging that job? This post will explore this topic and offer some advice on interviewing nerves.

Why Do People Get Nervous About Job Interviews?

The human body works in interesting ways, and the feeling of nerves before or during an interview is actually a physiological response. According to a recent study, when we feel anxious or stressed, our brain triggers the release of adrenaline. 

This hormone is responsible for the fight or flight response, and it causes our heart rate to increase and our breathing to become shallow. It also causes those pesky butterflies in our stomachs!

So, why do we get nervous before interviews? Well, there are a few reasons.

• Fear of the unknown – First, interviews are a high-stress situation. You’re meeting a complete stranger who has the power to decide your future. You also don’t know what the interviewer will ask you or how well you will perform. This uncertainty can cause a lot of anxiety. 
• Pressure to perform – The pressure to perform can be intense! Many people are perfectionists and worry that they won’t be good enough. This can lead to self-doubt and nerves. 
• Fear of rejection – And finally, many people fear rejection. We think that if we don’t get the job, it will mean that we’re not good enough. This can cause a lot of anxiety. (And btw, you are good enough. You deserve that job!)

Is It Bad To Be Nervous During A Job Interview

So, now that we know why we get nervous during interviews, let’s try and answer the question – Is it bad to be nervous during an interview? Well, the short answer is no. In fact, it’s perfectly normal.

During an interview, some people tend to feel so much anxiety that they are left wondering if it’s bad to be nervous! Some even worry further, wondering if it’s going to give a bad impression to the interviewer? Surprisingly that’s not the case; the reality is that nerves can actually be a good thing:

A survey by The Guardian found that 71% of people get nervous before job interviews. And, contrary to popular belief, nerves don’t always have a negative impact on our performance. Research has also shown that mildly anxious people tend to perform better than those who aren’t nervous at all. So, in a way, nerves can actually help you do well in an interview.

In another recent study by JDP, it was found that the vast majority of interviewers (88%) said that they don’t mind if a candidate is nervous during an interview. In fact, most of them actually see it as a positive sign! They said it was proof that you are taking the interview seriously and that you want to make a good impression.

So, if you’re feeling nervous during your next job interview, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal. Just try to relax and focus on your interview preparation. And remember, the interviewer is human too! They understand how you’re feeling, and they will likely appreciate your honesty.

5 Effective Tips To Calm Your Nerves During A Job Interview

Keeping your cool during a job interview can be tricky, but you can manage those nerves with a little bit of preparation. Here are some tips to help: 

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step is to simply acknowledge the fact that you’re feeling nervous. Don’t try to ignore your nerves or push them down. Accept that they’re there and that it’s natural to feel anxious before a job interview. This will help you to deal with them better. 

2. Take a Few Deep Breaths

When you feel those nerves start to kick in, take a deep breath and relax. You know how sometimes you feel so overwhelmed that you just can’t seem to calm down? By taking a few deep breaths, you can relax and focus on the interview. Deep breaths will also help oxygenate your brain and will calm you down, allowing you to focus.

3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare For The Interview!

One of the best ways to manage your nerves is to prepare for the interview beforehand. The more prepared you are for the interview, the less anxious you’ll feel. Make sure you also know what the job entails and research the company. 

Familiarize yourself with the interviewer’s name and read up on some common interview questions. This will help to ease your nerves and make you feel more confident and calm. 

4. Visualize Yourself Succeeding

Visualization is a great way to manage your nerves. When you visualize yourself succeeding in the interview, you’ll feel more relaxed and confident. Picturing yourself sitting across from the interviewer answering their questions with ease and confidence can also help to soothe those nerves. 

5. Be Yourself and Take Your Time

Finally, remember to be yourself during the interview. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you, so don’t try and put on a show. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Remember to take your time and to answer the questions calmly and thoughtfully. Good luck!

You’re Now Ready to Face that Panel!

Yes, feeling nervous during an interview can be overwhelming, but you can manage those nerves with a few tips. Keep in mind that it’s practically normal, and you don’t have to feel guilty. Your body is simply preparing you for the upcoming task. Just remember to stay calm and take your time. Oh, and be yourself! 

All the best!

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