Always so nervous going to job interviews, what would help ease my anxiety?

I am me123

Whenever I have attended job interviews I have noticed a pattern of always being increasingly nervous during the interview. My mind literally goes blank and I can barely even speak. This is something that I strongly feel the interviewers can sense, and then see me as 'weak' and 'unconfident', and not a 'fit' for the role ( regardless of the potential post in question). I would n't regard myself as a 'shy' type when I get to know people properly, and I feel comfortable around them, and the nervousness I once had disappears.

Just wondering what could help ease my general interview anxiety in future?

Thank you.

Apiarist

Remember -- they need a worker more than you need the work. Talk first. Tell them who you are, what you do, what you want, and then ask them if they have any more questions. Here is a good example:

You Me We

Firstly, this is really common and something most people feel to some degree in interview. Don't fixate on it as a major problem.

Instead see what small, practical improvements you can make here. They will give immediate rewards and are the first building blocks of bigger confidence.


So, maybe think about focusing on that feeling of "flow" when you are outgoing, comfortable and can talk. That's where you're trying to get to.

What has to happen for you to get there?
What can you do to make it happen?
Are there tricks you can use on yourself to get there quicker?
What can you do before the interview to relax yourself?


Also, maybe think about preparing and practicing what you want to communicate. This will give you structure and a degree of "autopilot" at the start. Hopefully the "magic" of a good interview will kick in before too long.

Certain questions will nearly always be asked near the start of the interview and you can prepare for:
"Tell us a bit about yourself"
"Talk us through your CV"
"Why did you apply for this job?"

Having a rough idea of where you're going on these, having already answered outloud will give you time and space to settle, as well as starting to impress the interviewer. Interviews usually get better as time goes on.


Hope this helps.

Also, I've send you a PM.

tylercheribini

Not advisable but a stiff drink always works wonders for me, hasnt failed me yet, all depends how one's brain is wired I suppose.

Dublin1988

For me I do a small breathing exercise prior to an interview or any public speaking.

Inhale for 4 seconds through the nose, hold for 4 then a slowly controlled exhale for 6-8 seconds. Altering the time depending how I feel.

Find it helps to steady my heart rate and focuses my mind on a set thing rather than let my mind run away with itself when I am very anxious.

the whole year inn

Im not sure if everyone does this, but I bring my own water in, I like sparkling and just mention it at the start that hope they dont mind me bring in the water. I take sips from time to time when there talking . Works for me anyway.

LineOfBeauty

The best interview I ever did, I went for a job purely out of spite at feeling underappreciated in my (then) current job. Went to the interview, got there early. caught a bit of the other guy's interview who was on before me, used a load of buzz words, sounded so contrived. I made the effort to speak slowly, calmly and with confidence (which comes I think from doing the first 2 things), it also helped that I didn't really care if I got the job or not. Best interview I ever did. The trick is try to arrive early, see somebody else fail and do the opposite of what they did.

I never went back for the 2nd round interview.

_Brian

I am me123 wrote: »

Whenever I have attended job interviews I have noticed a pattern of always being increasingly nervous during the interview. My mind literally goes blank and I can barely even speak. This is something that I strongly feel the interviewers can sense, and then see me as 'weak' and 'unconfident', and not a 'fit' for the role ( regardless of the potential post in question). I would n't regard myself as a 'shy' type when I get to know people properly, and I feel comfortable around them, and the nervousness I once had disappears.

Just wondering what could help ease my general interview anxiety in future?

Thank you.

Remember they are there to help you provide the information they need to give you the job.

Dress comfortably, breathing deeply and picturing yourself doing a good interview in advance.

I’d advise sitting down and practice talking through various answers to questions you’ve been asked before. Speak it out loud, if you have a trusted friend to ask you the questions that would be great but if not do it alone.
Speaking the answers out loud is important, you’d be surprised how off putting it can be to hear yourself speak in front of strangers, getting your mind used to tie sound of you discussing these topics will ease the on the spot pressure.

Take your time, it’s not a speed test. Think about your answers.

Also, if you suddenly think of additional information for a previous question don’t be afraid to ask them can you go back and add discuss it.

Employers, along with looking for someone with the skills are looking for someone they connect with. Be bright and friendly, try and remember the name of at least the lead interviewer and use that when a dressing them, chances are your potential immediate manager will be there too so doing the same for them would be good.

Remember that you’ve already qualified through a round of selection just to get sitting there so your on the right step already. They won’t be interviewing everyone who applied so you have what they are looking for.

KylieWyley

LineOfBeauty wrote: »

The best interview I ever did, I went for a job purely out of spite at feeling underappreciated in my (then) current job. Went to the interview, got there early. caught a bit of the other guy's interview who was on before me, used a load of buzz words, sounded so contrived. I made the effort to speak slowly, calmly and with confidence (which comes I think from doing the first 2 things), it also helped that I didn't really care if I got the job or not. Best interview I ever did. The trick is try to arrive early, see somebody else fail and do the opposite of what they did.

I never went back for the 2nd round interview.

You saw someone elses interview? As another candidate?

LineOfBeauty

KylieWyley wrote: »

You saw someone elses interview? As another candidate?

It was a bit bizarre. It was for a housing unit, place was still a construction site and the manager's office was more or less a shed with 2 desks in it. The other guy had arrived late (couldn't find the place) so I caught the tail end of the interview. It was interesting being a background player in that situation.