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How to Deal with Interview Anxiety

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Feeling anxious before a job interview is completely normal, but what about presentations, meetings, or speaking in front of colleagues? Many of the clients I work with don’t just fear interview anxiety; they dread having to speak up in a group or present around the boardroom table.


Whether you’re interviewing for a new role or delivering a big presentation, the symptoms are often the same: a racing heart, dry mouth, shaky voice, or that overwhelming urge to run away. 


As a clinical hypnotherapist in Solihull, London, and beyond, I help adults and professionals overcome these fears so they can perform calmly and confidently when it matters most.


How to deal with interview anxiety and job presentations - what you might experience


Situations where we feel “on the spot” naturally trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response which is the same instinct that once protected us from danger. 


Unfortunately, our brains can’t tell the difference between a wild animal and a room full of expectant faces.


That’s why you might notice:


  • Your mind going blank mid-sentence

  • A pounding heartbeat or shaky hands

  • Worrying about what others think

  • Difficulty sleeping the night before

  • Avoiding opportunities because of fear


This anxiety isn’t weakness, it’s simply a learned response that can be retrained. That’s where hypnotherapy can help.


Practical tips for handling nerves


Here are a few steps you can start using straight away:


  1. Visualise success: Picture yourself entering the room feeling composed and grounded.

  2. Slow your breathing: Inhale for four counts, exhale for six to reduce tension.

  3. Focus on connection, not perfection: Remember, it’s about communicating clearly, not performing flawlessly.

  4. Reframe the situation: Whether it’s an interview or a board presentation, it’s simply a conversation between people.

  5. Use affirmations: “I am calm, capable, and prepared” can help shift your mindset in the moment.


These strategies, when combined with hypnotherapy, help you create new, calmer automatic responses so your body and mind work with you not against you.


When to seek help


If your fear of interviews, meetings, or presentations keeps holding you back, perhaps avoiding promotions or speaking opportunities,  it might be time to get professional support. Hypnotherapy can help uncover where those fears stem from and replace them with confidence and calm.


Many of my clients say that after hypnotherapy, they don’t just perform better, they actually look forward to sharing their ideas and achievements. That shift from fear to freedom is incredibly powerful.


Through hypnotherapy for public speaking and performance anxiety, I help clients reprogram unhelpful thought patterns that cause panic in high-pressure moments. Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a relaxed, focused state where your subconscious mind is more open to positive change.


Together, we’ll use gentle visualisation and confidence-building techniques to help you:


  • Feel calm and in control before interviews or presentations

  • Rehearse successful outcomes mentally, reducing fear of the unknown

  • Replace negative self-talk with self-assurance

  • Develop relaxation strategies to manage nerves before meetings or talks


“Angela’s approach is a game changer. Her therapy sessions have put me back on track and given me strategies. Highly recommend her to others.” Zach


Clients often find that once they master these techniques, they not only perform better in interviews, but also feel more confident in team meetings, board presentations, and everyday conversations.


What to expect in a session


Every session is tailored to you. For some, the goal is to manage physical symptoms including a shaky voice, sweating, or shortness of breath. For others, it’s about letting go of self-doubt and building lasting self-belief.


Most clients benefit from 3-4 sessions, which may include a personalised hypnotherapy recording to listen to before important events. These recordings reinforce calm confidence and can be a powerful preparation tool before interviews or presentations.



Ready to feel calm, confident and in control?


If you’d like to stop letting nerves get in the way of your success, I’d love to help. Together, we can reduce anxiety, build self-belief, and help you approach every interview, presentation, or meeting with genuine confidence.



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