How to Reduce Interview Stress

The interviewing process can be a stressful one. After all, a lot is riding on that brief meeting of individuals – your livelihood, your career, your passion. Okay, so there's pressure. But you can approach that situation with hope, enthusiasm and a cool head.

Here are my favorite ways to manage the stress of an impending interview:

1. Prep your outfit the day before. Research your prospective place of employment and choose your outfit accordingly. I like to choose a backup as well, in case of any ‘morning of’ mishaps. Set it out the night before – including setting out your clothes, shoes, undergarments, jewelry – everything! Iron it the night before. The less work for you in the morning the better.

Prepping your outfit the day before will be one less task for you to worry about the day of the interview. And be sure to try the whole thing on in advance (if it’s not clothing you wear regularly) to be sure it still fits well and there are no issues – like a stain on the sleeve that you never noticed before you tucked it back into the closet.

2. Location, location, location! Personally, my mind gets bogged down by unknown logistics. So, before an in-person interview, it makes me feel better to know exactly where I am going. If you can, drive there a few days in advance! Get a lay of the land. Check out the parking situation. See how far the walk is from the parking lot to the building – helpful to know, depending on your shoe choice. Becoming visually familiar with my surroundings helps reduce my stress level and makes me feel more comfortable. Can't make the drive in advance? Then Google Street View is the next best thing.

3. Pack the night before. Bringing a portfolio? Need to swap purses? Want to remember those mints? Think of all the things you can set by the door and have ready to go.

The bonus tip is to get some solid sleep. I know – easier said than done. But by prepping in advance and removing some of those unknown variables early – hopefully, your mind will be able to shut down and rest.