People experience more anxiety when they feel like a situation is totally out of your control. Job interviews can certainly feel this way. There are usually high stakes at play, and interviews force you to interact with strangers in an unfamiliar environment. Anxiety attacks can strike even if you don’t normally suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety manifests differently in everyone. Some people might sweat excessively, shake or tremble, or experience a racing heartbeat. Others feel like the room is shrinking or like they need to escape. Some people even feel like they’re having a heart attack. Anxiety is often increased by perfectionist tendencies, because you feel like there’s no room for error.

Everyone makes mistakes or acts nervous during job interviews, and other candidates are probably dealing with the same feelings you are. Luckily, you can take certain steps to prevent or calm a job interview-related anxiety attack.

Implementing a few self-help strategies can help calm symptoms of an anxiety attack before your job interview. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before your interview. Plan your interview outfit the night before your interview. Try to avoid coffee or caffeinated beverages the morning of your interview because caffeine can also exacerbate anxiety. Arrive 10 minutes early to your interview so you have time to mentally prepare yourself. Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Try to relax and just be yourself. These pocket friendly tips can really work wonders to let your natural strengths shine through.