Show Up and Overcome Nerves

Hey there! My goal is to reach and help as many people as possible. If you like this podcast please share it with your friends so they can be inspired and motivated as well. 

Find me on Instagram at @showuptogoup OR @stephygthatsme :)

 

Last week someone came up to me and told me she has a 4th interview for her dream job and wanted to know if I had any tips on how to stay cool and confident walking into her interview. She asked me because I have been an actress for the past 10ish years and have had a lot of experience walking into scary auditions. She followed up her initial question by asking do I  even still get nervous walking into auditions after so many years. The answer is yes - basically every single time.

 

I remember after my first spin class, I waited until the end of class, and then told them it was my time teaching - it was so scary at the time. One woman came up to me and said I did a great job and I told her how nervous I was and she told me being nervous is okay and even a good thing because it’s a sign that you care. So remember that! Whether it’s a scary interview, an audition, or your first time teaching, here are some tips to help calm your nerves before the big moment. I’m going to speak specifically on a job interview but these tools apply to anything new and scary…

 

1.) Prepare yourself with knowledge and information leading up to the moment. Through practice and repetition comes confidence. If it’s a job interview find out about the company, know specifically why you want to work there, look up interview questions and practice your answers out loud. 

2.) Once the big day comes, meditate. Meditation helps calm your mind and your nervous system. It doesn’t have to be a super long meditation. 5 minutes is enough. There are so many great youtube meditation videos. Here are some of my favorites (3 minute option - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bs0qUB3BHQ, 5 minute option - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfw-rJUvy4, 10 minute option - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGT1VXwfx4)  So many people avoid meditation because they don’t want to slow down but it’s literally one of the best things I do. It recenters and calms me. And gives me energy. Try just 5 minutes. 

3.) Visualize yourself looking like the rockstar that you are in the interview. See yourself calm and happy and having great, effortless conversation with the interviewer. Dream about the best case scenario. This can be done in 1-2 minutes. 

4.) Tell yourself you deserve to be there and trust that you are enough. They called you into the interview for a reason. It’s a two way street and they need you just as much as you need them. They have a void in their company that they are looking to fill and they are hoping you are the person to fill that void which is why they called you in. Empower yourself with that information. 

5.) When you step into the interview, trust that you did the work by researching the company and by being proactive to calm your nerves and set yourself up for success. Let all of that preparation and everything you did before this moment go. Be in the moment and be present with whomever you’re speaking with. Get out of your head and into your heart. If you only do one of them that’s okay and it’s better than not doing any of them but if you commit to all 5 I promise you’ll be a more confident and empowered woman walking into whatever it is you’re taking on. Congratulations on your new and scary adventure. You got this!

 

Also! I forgot to mention it but this is another great tool. Your body language affects the way you feel about yourself so stand in a power stance before the interview so you can walk in with confidence. Check out this Ted Talk about it!

https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are