Brilliant Interview, 3rd Edition

48 During the interview

Easing the symptoms

As far as coping  with  the  physical symptoms  of nerves is con-

cerned, try to eat before the interview. Don’t binge, but a light 

breakfast  or  lunch  will  help  (unless  you  honestly  think  you’ll 

bring it straight back up). Nerves are always worse on an empty 

stomach.

You  may  also  find  relaxation  exercises  helpful.  The  way  to 

reduce stress is to relax, and slow breathing is a quick fix for this. 

Here’s a relaxation exercise which you can do moments before 

your interview, for example while you’re waiting at reception:

exercise 1

1 Sit down if possible, but you can do this standing up if ...