Interviewing is difficult and exhausting.
Usually about an hour before I have to interview, I start feeling nervous. My heart rate increases, my breathing becomes shortened, and my mind races. This happens every time, regardless of how many interviews I have done.
Confidence is key. Believe in yourself so much that you convince the interviewer to believe in you too.
^ That's easier said than done. So here are my steps to build up my confidence before I log into an interview:
First, I remind myself that regardless of the outcome, I am on a journey. Each interview is a checkpoint on the path to landing that job. The outcome itself doesn't matter as much as the personal growth and increased confidence I gain from putting myself out there each time.
Next, I perform some deep breathing exercises. I personally like the box breathing technique:
Inhale for 5 seconds - Hold for 5 seconds - Exhale for 5 seconds - Hold for 5 seconds. I repeat this cycle as necessary until my body feels calm.
After that, I dedicate 5-10 minutes to reciting my interview affirmations. I genuinely believe these as I say them in front of a mirror or my camera:
Interviewing