Whether you are preparing for an interview, starting a new job, or thinking of leaving your current job, nerves can really get the better of us.
Dealing with interview nerves:
There are many reasons as to why we get nervous before an interview, it is totally normal. But, there are a few ways you can help deal with those nerves to make you feel better!
You will feel a lot more at ease during an interview if you have done your research. It is important that you research the employer and understand why your skills are suited to the role, preparing yourself for any questions they might ask. It is also important to know your CV inside out, for any potential questions you might be asked about your skills, experience or qualifications. You should also prepare questions to ask the interviewer, it shows you are interested in the role and want to find out more.
Research is extremely important, but you should also prepare answers to interview questions and practice them a few times before your interview, with and then without notes. The more prepared you are in your interview questions, the less nervous you will feel. Ask a friend or family member to go through your questions with you to ensure you are covering as much as possible.
Prepare your outfit in advance of your interview, make sure it is clean and ironed. While dressing smart is key, make sure you are comfortable with your outfit choice.
Some interviews may still take place online and some might be in-person. If your interview is taking place online, ensure that you have the link available and easy to access plenty of time before your interview slot. If your interview is taking place in-person, ensure that you understand how you are getting to the location and always leave time for disruption to travel.
Last of all, stay positive and breathe! You have gotten this far getting an interview, just be yourself and answer as best as you can.
Dealing with nerves when starting a new job:
Starting a new job can trigger a mix of emotions, especially nerves. It would definitely be more surprising if someone didn't feel nervous when starting a new job!
You might feel proud of yourself for securing a new role, but you might also notice some uneasiness creeping up amid your excitement. You might wonder what your new team members think of you, what the workload is like and if the job is what you are expecting it to be.
Job anxiety is common, express to a friend or family member how you are feeling and it's likely they have been in the same position. If this is your first job, speak to them for advice and tips on how to settle in. If it isn't your first job then you are more than likely to have experienced this before, think back to how you dealt with it then. Remember, you have been successful in the interview process because you are qualified, skilled and will be a good match for the team.
Make a friend or two, it will be hard to be best friends with everyone but try and chat to those that you will work closest with. They will want to make you feel as welcome as possible and help you fit into the team.
Once your days start to follow a regular pattern, new job anxiety often fades naturally into the background and you will forget you were nervous in the first place.
Dealing with nerves about leaving your current job:
There is never going to be a good or convenient time to leave a job, don't stress yourself out more by overthinking when to notify your employer you are leaving.
Some people can be so excited to begin a new job that they want to start as soon as possible. Sometimes people want to leave a job that they hate as soon as possible. Whatever is your circumstance, if your employee handbook asks for a month’s notice, do your best to give that month. It will take that time for your current employer to find your replacement and transition their start and your leaving date. This also allows you to start your new job with good boundaries, you wouldn't want to give the impression to your new employer that you wouldn't work your notice period had you leave your new role.