Interview problem

james1231

I'm 21 and at the moment I work weekends on a farm which I love but really want to get a career for myself. I got a call about an interview for an apprenticeship that I really would like to do but I have a huge problem with interviews. I blush badly in interview situations and I don't have even know why! the pressure seems to get to me really badly! I've not shown up for lots of interviews in the past as I would be shaking at the thought of it, I'm fine when I'm working but now have it in my head that if I ever go to another interview I'll start shaking. It's really holding me back.

I was going to try to push myself to going to this and just get it over with and see what happens but I was told there will be 2 people interviewing me. The interview is on Friday and I'm already shaking over it. Is there anything I can take that helps with facial blushing to calm my skin or else to calm my nerves? At the moment I won't be going as 1 interviewing me would have been bad enough. I just wish I was normal!

ABajaninCork

Why don't you try 'interviewing' with a couple of friends firing questions at you? Or you could go to your local FAS and see if they'll arrange something at short notice for you? Don't even THINK about not going - How else are you going to get a job without an interview??

As for the day itself? Take a couple of drops of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Remember to take deep breaths, and speak slowly and clearly. If there's anything you don't understand or didn't hear properly don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'll try to find some more stuff and post up later...

Hope this helps!

username123

I had to do an interview recently with a panel of 5 people and I also had to give a 5 minute Powerpoint presentation during it.

I could feel that my voice was nervous and I had a big red flush on my neck too - but I just gave in to it. The people know its a nerve wracking situation for you. Once you accept it and stop worrying that they will notice it - you actually do relax, I felt my voice change as I relaxed and I forgot about the flush.

It just happens, interviews are nerve wracking. But you have to remember that the people interviewing you are just people same as any people youd ever talk to at a bus stop or in a shop. They go to the toilet same as you and they have had to go through an interview same as you.

You have to remember too - its only the initial bit thats bad, being interview nervous is a bit like stage fright, it fades away once the curtain goes up and you begin.

The people interviewing may also be nervous because they might not be used to doing interviews themselves or may be worried that if they dont do thing properly or pick the right person that they will get hassle.

At the end of the day, people are just people - and there is no point you not going to an interview because it only holds you back.

You might think of doing some kind of course or join some kind of club that does public speaking - if you can speak in front of a room you can do an interview.

Merkin

I second getting Bach's Rescue Remedy or something like Kalms (make sure it's the Day tablets!) from the chemist and they will take the edge off. One is homepathic and the other is herbal - neither will do you any harm but will take the edge off. Get some today so you can see how you react to them. If you don't conquer this fear it is going to hold you back massively and will prevent you from taking the opportunities life throws at you, don't do that to yourself!

RossFixxxed

I actually had my voice break mid interview in a really embarrassing way and I said "wow, I don't normally get nervous like this, but this job is a great opportunity and made me make a silly noise!!"... I got the job. Just be open about it, don't beat around the bush and make everyone awkward, say hey I'm excited for this job and I'm very nervous.

Zen65

RossFixxxed wrote: »

Just be open about it, don't beat around the bush and make everyone awkward, say hey I'm excited for this job and I'm very nervous.

Yeah, I interview people regularly (recruitment & promotions) and I see many of them getting very nervous at the start of the interview, so it's pretty normal. Most people recover after a couple of minutes speaking, but one or two remain nervous throughout. Admitting your own nervousness is reassuring to the interviewers.

BTW, an interesting technique for dealing with your nerves is to mentally paint a large red "X" over the heads of the interviewers. This genuinely does give you a feeling of control over your situation and reduces your anxiety. I've used the technique when giving bad news to people, or making presentations to very small groups. I can't explain the logic to it, but it does work.

Good luck,

Z

Grandpa Hassan

I have a new hire starting on Monday here in London. I interviewed 6 people for her position....all between 26 and 30....so junior to mid level professionals

The one I hired was the one that was shaking like a leaf in the interview. She sounded nervous and her voice was very shaky. The others were confident as you like

Just remember that the people interviewing you are just people. People who I guarantee don't know as much as you think they do. They're just winging it along with all of the rest of us.

My point is that your nerves and blushing won't bother the interviewer, or affect your chances, anywhere near as much as you think it will. People are generally nice, and will completely understand. Just because someone is your interviewer, it doesn't mean they're an unfeeling ogre!.

james1231

Thank you for all the tips and help it really has helped me and hearing it from an interviewers side has helped my relax abit. I'm just going to go for it, it's only 10 minutes of my life that could shape the rest of my life and i'm sure the interviewers have seen it all before. They are taking on 8 apprentices as far as I know. I have my Safe Pass and my pass in Maths in my Leaving Cert so already have some of the things they are looking for. Thanks again everyone.

ABajaninCork

Good boy! Prepare well, and you'll be just fine...

Good luck!

Grandpa Hassan

Remember, you can't leave us hanging on these threads. Once you've started, you have to make sure that we hear how the rest of the story pans out!

Good luck!

Diziet

I recommended this book on another thread, but think it is also very applicable here: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Answers-Tough-Interview-Questions/dp/074946352X/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1373456729&sr=8-14&keywords=tough+interview+questions


Read it cover to cover; it is great preparation, and one of the best books on job hunting. Best of luck.