Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, and interview anxiety is a real thing. Maybe you’ve been there before, so you know the deal. You have to impress a stranger and show them why you’re the best candidate (even though you know you’re more than qualified). Actually, “qualified” is an understatement because you’re exceptional at what you do. Now you’re facing a barrage of conversations where you hope to outshine invisible competitors, so you need to handle unexpected questions like a pro. Oh, and don’t forget to highlight the best parts of your personality—first impressions matter.

With so many unknowns and high stakes (plus all eyes on you), it’s no wonder interview anxiety is common among job seekers. I can’t promise you won’t be nervous, but you can conquer or at least ease those nerves with a few simple strategies. Here are four tips to stay calm and rock your next job interview.

Do your research

To calm pre-interview jitters, one smart move is to dig into the company you’re applying to. Research their background, mission, and values. It’s not just about impressing them with your talents, but also showing you’re genuinely interested in more than just a paycheck. Plus, doing your homework comes with some personal perks. It helps you figure out if the company’s culture aligns with your values and lets you come up with insightful questions for the interviewers—making it a two-way conversation. And let’s not forget the confidence boost it brings when you know exactly why you want to work there. When you’ve got that clarity, it’s easier to tackle interview questions with ease and leave the anxiety behind.

Explore the Company Website

Get a solid foundation of knowledge about the company first. Start by visiting the company’s official website. Look for information about their mission, values, products, services, and company culture. Pay attention to their “About Us” or “Our Team” pages, as well as any posted news or press releases. 

Review Social Media Profiles

Check out the company’s social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Companies often share updates, news, and insights about their culture, projects, and initiatives on these platforms. You might also find posts or articles that detail their current work and trends in the industry.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool to research both the company and the hiring manager. Look up the company’s LinkedIn page to gain insights into their employees, company culture, and recent updates. Additionally, find the LinkedIn profiles of the hiring manager or key decision-makers to understand their background, experience, and any shared connections or interests.

Read News and Publications

Stay updated with the latest news and publications related to the company. Search for articles, press releases, and industry publications that mention the company to help you understand recent achievements, challenges, and industry positioning.

Seek Out Employee Reviews and Experiences

Explore websites such as Glassdoor or Indeed, which provide anonymous employee reviews and other great information about companies. Reading reviews can give you a sense of the company’s work environment, employee satisfaction, and potential challenges. However, take reviews with a grain of salt, as they represent individual experiences.

At the same time, pay attention to red flags like a surge in positive reviews after a trend of less-than-stellar submissions, which can sometimes mean nothing and other times indicate emergency PR on the part of the company. 

Network with Current or Former Employees

If possible, reach out to current or former employees of the company through your professional network. They can provide valuable firsthand information about the company culture, work environment, and their experiences working there. LinkedIn can be a useful platform to connect with employees and initiate conversations.

Research interview questions

In addition to learning about the company, take time to prepare for common interview questions so you aren’t caught off guard by strategically-placed “unexpected” questions. While you can’t predict everything they’ll ask, some prep on common Qs can put an arsenal of answers top-of-mind, naturally alleviating pre-interview anxiety. 

Dress for success

You’ve heard it before. First impressions can make or break you during an interview, and you should show the interviewer you get that. This doesn’t mean investing in a three-piece suit, but you should try to look professional and put together to demonstrate self-awareness, which is not surprisingly one of the considerations for cultural fit. This doesn’t mean being someone you’re not. It just means that regardless of who or how you are from minute to minute, one thing is for sure—you know the importance of reading a room and can adapt to the needs of the situation.

Breathe through anxiety

If you still feel anxious before your interview, try practicing deep breathing exercises to help slow your heart rate and calm your nerves. Here are some options: 

Diaphragmatic Breathing (or Belly Breathing)

1. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
2. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as you fill your lungs with air.
3. Exhale slowly through your mouth, pushing out the air from your abdomen.
4. Repeat this deep breathing pattern for several minutes, focusing on the rise and fall of your abdomen.

4-7-8 Breathing Technique

1. Take a deep breath through your nose for a count of four.
2. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight.
4. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes, gradually increasing the duration.

Box Breathing (Square Breathing)

1. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, visualizing the first side of a square.
2. Hold your breath for a count of four, visualizing the second side of the square.
3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four, visualizing the third side of the square.
4. Hold your breath for a count of four, visualizing the final side of the square.
5. Repeat this cycle for several minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and the visualization of the square.

Conclusion

If you care about getting the job, the interview process matters, so you’re bound to get some interview anxiety, but there are healthy ways to cope with it. By doing your research, preparing for common questions, dressing like you care, and practicing deep breathing, you’ll take the edge off so you can showcase your most level-headed self and make a good impression. Good luck!