Interviews Make Me So Nervous. How Do I Stay Calm and Confident?

May 07, 2025

Candidate interviewing very confindent because she learn how to overcome interview nerves

Let’s get real—interview nerves are no joke. Whether you’re staring into a webcam or shaking hands in a conference room, that anxious buzz in your chest is normal. The sweaty palms? Totally human. The self-doubt whispering in your ear? Common. But here’s the truth: the goal isn’t to erase nerves—it’s to manage them, so your brilliance and value can shine through.

Because you are brilliant. You do bring value. And you’ve absolutely got this.

I still remember the interview that changed my life. I was nervous, sure—but I’d finally learned how to channel that energy into something productive. And that interview? It became the launchpad to a career I didn’t even dare to dream about five years earlier.

So let’s walk through the exact tools I used—and the same ones I now teach my clients—to calm those nerves and show up with confidence. You’re not alone in feeling jittery, but you are more ready than you think.

Need one-on-one support to feel confident walking into your next interview? Let’s tackle it together in a free Career Clarity Call.

10 Ways to Calm Your Interview Nerves

1. Prepare with a Bullet-Pointed Prep Guide

Forget trying to memorize long-winded scripts. You’re not a robot, and interviews aren’t recitals.

Instead, prep smart. Break your notes into bullet points aligned with the job description. Think key achievements, impact stories, company-specific insights, and a few thoughtful questions for your interviewer. Keep it clear and digestible.

This format helps you stay flexible and conversational—so even if your brain gets a little foggy mid-interview (which is normal!), you’ve got anchors to return to. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this one.

2. Remind Yourself: The Employer Already Thinks You Belong

Let this sink in: they chose you.

They sifted through stacks of resumes. And they picked yours. That alone says, “Hey, we think you might be the one.”

You're not walking into an audition hoping to earn a role—you’re walking into a meeting where someone already believes in your potential. Your job? Confirm their instincts.

This mindset shift is subtle, but powerful. It takes you out of "please like me" energy and into "let’s explore if this is a fit" energy. Big difference.

3. Power Poses to Tackle Interview Nerves

Here’s one of my favorite “secret weapons”: the power pose.

Stand tall. Feet hip-width apart. Hands on your hips. Chin up. Breathe. Hold this superhero stance for two minutes.

Sounds cheesy? Maybe. But science says otherwise. According to research by Amy Cuddy (yep, the famous TED Talk), power posing can literally increase your confidence and presence.

So strike that Wonder Woman or Superman pose. It’s not silly—it’s science-backed self-assurance.

🔗 Watch the TED Talk: Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are | TED Talk

4. Give Yourself a Pep Talk (Out Loud!)

Affirmations aren’t just trendy—they’re powerful.

Before your interview, find a mirror and speak these words:

“I’m smart.”
“I’ve done the work.”
“I bring value.”
“I deserve this role.”
“I’ve got this.”

Saying affirmations out loud activates the brain differently than thinking them. It cues your system to believe what you’re saying—and that belief shows up in your voice, your posture, and your energy.

Let them see the version of you that already knows how capable you are.

5. Show Confidence with Nonverbals

Nonverbal communication often speaks louder than words.

Make eye contact (or camera contact, if it’s virtual). Nod with intention. Smile. Sit up straight. These small cues radiate calm and confidence—even if you’re shaking inside.

And here’s a cool fact: smiling (even a forced one!) releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. That means your body can trick your mind into feeling better.

So yes—smile like you mean it. It makes you feel better and it puts your interviewer at ease, too.

6. Practice Box Breathing

You know that moment when your heart starts to race and your throat tightens?

Enter: box breathing. It’s a simple tool used by Navy SEALs, athletes, and anxious humans everywhere.

Here’s how:

Inhale for 4 counts
Hold for 4
Exhale for 4
Hold for 4
Repeat a few cycles

This technique sends a calming signal to your nervous system and helps slow your pace. It grounds you in the moment so you can speak with clarity and poise.

Try it before you click “Join Meeting” or walk into the building. It works wonders.

7. Reframe the Interview as a Conversation

Let’s demystify the interview: it’s not an interrogation. It’s a conversation.

You’re not being judged—you’re being explored. The employer wants to know if you’re the right match, and you’re deciding the same.

Think of it as two humans exploring a partnership. That mutuality takes the pressure off and allows your authentic self to step forward.

The best interviews feel like great conversations. Aim for connection, not perfection.

8. Humanize the Interviewer

That person across from you? They’re human, too.

They have deadlines, a favorite snack, weekend plans, and probably a couple of interviews that day. Humanizing your interviewer is one of the best tricks to ease tension.

If it’s virtual, here’s a bonus tip: tape a photo of someone you feel comfortable around (your best friend, your dog, your grandma) right next to your camera. It shifts your tone and energy. Suddenly, you’re speaking with warmth—not robotic formality.

The more relaxed you feel, the more engaging and memorable you become.

9. Conduct Mock Interviews (Yes, Record Them)

Rehearsal makes reality easier.

Find a friend, a coach, or a mirror—and practice. If possible, do it over Zoom and hit record. Yes, watching yourself can be cringe-inducing. But it’s worth it.

You’ll spot filler words, awkward pauses, distracting gestures—and you’ll get the chance to clean them up before it matters.

This is what separates “winging it” from walking in with confidence. Professional athletes review their game tape. You can, too.

10. Channel Your Inner “Interview Superhero”

This one’s my favorite—and a total game-changer.

Create an alter ego. Think Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce.” Imagine the most confident, articulate, unshakable version of yourself. Give them a name. Envision what they wear, how they walk, how they speak.

Right before the interview, step into that persona.

Put on a blazer that makes you feel powerful. Touch a lucky bracelet. Listen to a pump-up song. Do whatever helps you flip the switch.

Then ask yourself:

“How would my Interview Superhero show up right now?”
“What would they say in this moment?”

This role-play helps bypass fear and tap into your best self. And over time? That superhero becomes you.

FAQs About How to Handle Interview Nerves

Do interviewers take nerves into account?

Yes. Most interviewers expect candidates to be a little nervous. What matters more is how you recover and respond. A moment of nervousness won’t ruin your chances—but preparation and self-awareness will help you bounce back fast.

Why am I overthinking after an interview?

It’s normal. Your brain wants certainty and closure, and interviews rarely give that. Instead of rehashing every word, ask yourself: "Did I prepare well and show up authentically?" If yes, you did your part.

Do interviewers mind if you're nervous?

Not usually. Nerves are human. What matters is that you’re thoughtful, prepared, and engaged. A little nervous energy can even come across as enthusiasm.

About Career Coach

Theresa White, Career Clarity Expert, 5x Certified Career Coach, and the Founder of Career Bloom, is known for her expertise in guiding people to get unstuck and find the direction they need to move forward in their careers—fast. In a time when so many people are re-evaluating their work, Theresa offers actionable insights that empower clients to identify their true strengths and pursue work that genuinely aligns with their goals.

Theresa’s clients often call her sessions “epiphanies” and “transformational.” She brings immediate clarity to career goals, helping people unlock a deep understanding of what makes work fulfilling for them. Past participants consistently describe her approach as “spot on” and an “answer to questions they’d been asking for weeks.”

Theresa’s approach is empathetic yet practical, and she’s known for empowering clients with a clear direction in as little as 30 days, guaranteeing results.

Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.

You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Leveling Up

Listen, I get it. Interviews can be intimidating. But here’s what I want you to know:

You’re not starting from scratch. You’re building on everything you’ve done so far—your skills, your stories, your journey. You’re not asking for permission to belong—you already do.

These 10 strategies aren’t magic potions. They’re tools. Use them to ground yourself, prepare thoughtfully, and walk in as the version of you that knows exactly what you bring to the table.

Because you do bring something valuable. Something only you can offer. And with the right mindset and preparation?

You’ve got this.

Seriously. You do.