Adapt the STOP Method
This simple strategy can make you feel focused, alert, relaxed and at your emotional best.
S – Stop what you are doing. Press the pause button on your thoughts and actions.
T – Take a few breaths to centre yourself and bring yourself fully into the present moment.
O – Observe what is going on with your Body, Emotion and Mind.
P – Proceed with whatever you are doing, making a conscious, intentional choice to incorporate what you have just learned.
It is normal to have nerves. Our interviewers will wait if you want to take a moment to remember your examples or take a glass of water.
Change Your “Self-talk”
When we are anxious, we tend to talk to ourselves, or think to ourselves, in very negative ways. These negative messages fuel our anxiety. The simple act of changing our thoughts can lead to a calmer body state. “I can’t think straight and I’m going to make a mess of this meeting” can be changed to “I am very capable and it’s going to be a really productive meeting.” The first message creates anxiety, the second one creates a calm and coping response. It is in your interviewer’s interest to build a rapport with you and get you to show yourself in your best light because they want to find the best person for the role.