That Nervous Energy Before You Walk In

Whether it’s your first job or your fifth, interviews bring a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. Your mind is buzzing with questions. Will they like me? What if I forget something? Did I wear the right outfit? That nervous energy is normal—it means you care. But the good news is, with a little preparation and clarity, you can walk in calm, confident, and ready to ace it.

An interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about presenting your best self. It’s not only about skills but about how well you fit the role, the team, and the culture. And the impression you make starts even before you say your first word.

First Impressions Begin Before You Speak

What you wear, how you sit, your smile, and even your tone of voice all contribute to that crucial first impression. Dressing appropriately doesn’t mean being overly formal—it means matching the company’s vibe while staying neat, comfortable, and sharp. If you’re unsure, stick to solid colours, well-ironed clothes, and closed shoes.

Arriving early is another silent sign of professionalism. If it’s in person, plan your commute. If it’s virtual, check your lighting, background, and internet connection at least 15 minutes before the call. And always keep your phone on silent.

When you walk in or join the call, smile, greet with warmth, and keep eye contact. It’s not about pretending to be perfect—it’s about showing you’re prepared and present.

Do Your Homework Before the Interview

Before stepping into the interview, know who you’re speaking to and what the company does. Read their website, scroll through their social media, glance at recent news, and understand their tone. It helps you align your answers with their culture and values.

You should also know the job description inside out. Understand what the role expects, and think about how your past experiences—whether academic, internships, or previous jobs—connect with those expectations. When your answers show you’ve done your homework, you stand out immediately.

Websites like Naukri and LinkedIn are helpful not just for finding jobs, but also for researching the hiring manager or learning what the company values in its team members.

Know Your Resume Like the Back of Your Hand

Every line on your resume is a potential talking point. If you’ve listed a project, be ready to talk about your role, what you learned, what went wrong, and how you handled it. If you’ve added a skill, have a real-life example of how you used it.

Many candidates fumble when asked to explain something they wrote themselves. Practice talking about your resume aloud. It should feel like a confident conversation, not a memorized script.

Recruiters appreciate clarity. The more genuinely you explain your experience, the easier it becomes for them to see you in the role.

Prepare Your Answers—But Don’t Memorize

Interviewers often ask similar questions: Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here? Where do you see yourself in five years?

Have a structure in mind for these questions, but don’t memorize word for word. It should feel like a story, not a performance. Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—for behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you handled a challenge.”

The more you practice speaking your answers, the more natural you’ll sound. You can also record yourself, get feedback from a friend, or do mock interviews through platforms like InterviewBuddy to build fluency and confidence.

Don’t Just Answer—Ask Smart Questions

At the end of most interviews, you’ll be asked: “Do you have any questions for us?” This is your moment to show genuine interest. Avoid asking about salary too soon. Instead, ask about the team, the work culture, or what a typical day in the role looks like.

You can say things like:
What do you expect the person in this role to achieve in the first three months?
How do you support team learning and upskilling?
What’s your favorite part about working here?

Asking thoughtful questions tells the interviewer that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for the right one.

Practice Calm Body Language and Clear Speaking

Sometimes, how you say things matters more than what you say. Practice maintaining good posture, nodding to show you’re listening, and keeping your hands relaxed. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting—it can make you look nervous or closed off.

Speak slowly, clearly, and with a smile when appropriate. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask for clarification or pause for a few seconds before answering. Silence is better than rambling.

Be Honest About What You Don’t Know

You don’t need to know everything. If asked something unfamiliar, don’t fake it. Say something like: “I haven’t worked directly with that tool, but I’m a quick learner and would be excited to explore it.” That honesty earns more points than pretending.

Confidence and humility together make a strong impression.

Follow Up Without Overdoing It

After your interview, send a short thank-you note or email. Mention that you appreciated their time and are excited about the opportunity. This simple gesture shows professionalism and enthusiasm.

You can send your thank-you note through email or even via LinkedIn if you connected there. It’s a great way to leave a final good impression.

FAQs on Acing Job Interviews

Q1: What should I wear to a job interview?
Choose clean, well-ironed, and neutral clothing. Avoid overly flashy colours or excessive accessories. If unsure, go with smart casual or formal depending on the company.

Q2: How early should I arrive for an interview?
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. For online interviews, join the call a few minutes before to check your tech setup.

Q3: Should I rehearse my answers?
Yes, but don’t memorize them word-for-word. Practice speaking naturally and confidently using real examples from your experience.

Q4: Is it okay to ask about salary in the first interview?
It’s better to wait until the interviewer brings it up or until you reach the offer stage. Focus first on showing your fit for the role.

Q5: What if I don’t know the answer to a technical question?
Be honest. Say you’re unfamiliar but willing to learn. Interviewers appreciate honesty and a growth mindset over guesswork.

Q6: How do I calm my nerves before the interview?
Take deep breaths, practice power poses, and do a few mock interviews. Preparation naturally reduces anxiety.

Q7: Should I follow up after the interview?
Yes. A short thank-you email expressing your interest and gratitude goes a long way in leaving a lasting impression.

Stay connected!