How to nail those interview nerves
Top TV anchor presents tips to impress employers and bag a job
AS a primetime presenter who has spent almost two decades in front of the TV cameras, Anita Rani has interviewed everyone from politicians to showbiz stars.
So it may surprise viewers to learn that the One Show and Countryfile host still suffers from the odd bout of nerves in high-pressure situations, despite all her experience on television.
But there are things you can do to handle challenging moments, she explains – whether it’s keeping a cool head on screen or acing that allimportant job interview.
“I get asked a lot how I deal with nerves and my advice is practise, practise, practise,” says Anita. “I try and do a runthrough with a friend so I get used to saying the words.
“And always try and build a connection with the interviewer – things like smiling and looking them in the eye do the trick.”
Breaking the ice can help you stay calm and collected in an interview, and that could make all the difference in creating the right impression. In fact, making your mark and standing out from the competition when looking for work is more important than ever right now.
With the UK in another national lockdown, a new study by BT has revealed that the average job-hunter has unsuccessfully applied for 16 roles within the last
12 months.
The survey also showed that the over whelming majority of jobseekers have been negatively affected by their employment search in the past year, with four out of five attributing a downturn in their mental wellbeing to looking for work.
Almost half added that rejections and the job search had knocked their self-confidence and self-belief throughout all stages of the hunt for work.
And just 22 per cent are confident their CV and covering letter will stand out, while even fewer believe in their ability to make their mark and leave a lasting impression in an interview.
As part of its Skills for Tomorrow initiative, BT has now launched a 28-day online Stand Out
Skills programme to help you stand out in your job search, and has enlisted the help of experts from the entertainment world like Anita.
As someone who’s been on you a few extra seconds to both sides of the interview think of a good answer.” process, Anita says one of the It’s not just in the interview most important things to that you need to shine – using remember is to really listen to engaging writing to create a CV, the questions you’re application letter or Linkedin being asked – and presence also gets you noticed. don’t panic if you lose So along with Anita, BT has your way a bit. teamed up with the voice of
“Taking a deep Love Island, stand-up comebreath and focusing dian Iain Stirling, to guide you on the specifics really through writing a CV or applihelps, and it’s fine to cation letter that really hits the ask them to rephrase mark with potential employers. the question if you’re And Rupaul’s Drag Race UK not sure,” she advises. star Divina de Campo has
“It acttuealllylygtivaelsensthparedsetinptsefroarmnitaaking a memorable impression when it comes to the interview.
Each week you can access helpful hints and inspirational advice, and BT will post new information every day on its social media channels and Bt.com/standoutskills website.
Being nervous in an interview is entirely normal, says Anita, but however you feel on the inside, just do your best to finish on a high.
“Always be open and sincere and end the interview as positively as you started – so remember to smile!”