We all know how stressful it is to participate in a job interview. Job interviews are ranked highest among the leading causes of stress among Americans. Performing in front of a potential employer can be nerve-wrecking, if not slightly debilitating for some people. If you are one of those who suffer from interview anxiety, there is hope! It is possible to make your interview successful. Here are some helpful tips.
Recognize Your Stress
This is the first step to dealing with a stressful interview. Recognizing that you are stressed in the first place! Some early signs that may alert you of your body's stress level may include, but are not limited to: tightening of the shoulders, neck and back, sweaty palms, dry mouth and increased heart rate. Early detection of such signs and symptoms is imperative when formulating a plan of action to combat stress during an interview.
Preparation
Advanced preparation is vital to performing well during an interview. Like any other task you will perform throughout your lifetime, participating effectively at a job interview requires preparation. Prepare your mind and your body for this interview. Sleeping well the night before, eating a well balanced breakfast or lunch, and acknowledging your anxiety, goes well with preparing for this interview. Being well prepared dramatically decreases the levels of stress you may experience. You will find when you're prepared that you are not "grabbing at straws", or "groping for words." And the delivery of your answers will be fluent and appear to be well thought out.
Listen
Listen carefully to what your interviewer is saying. If possible, train your ears to listen for "hidden" questions that he/she may bring up later. An example of this is: "We try our best to make all of our employees happy. Our most loyal of employees hold us in high regard, but still there are some who are not happy." Later he may ask you how you feel about your previous employer. It doesn't matter how badly your previous employers treated you, do NOT speak abusively of them! Potential employers will see you as having a complaining mind-set. It's best to be positive at all times. Keep listening and think before you speak.
Do Not Give in to Intimidation
Some potential employers purposely intimidate you to see how you will react under pressure. Do not give in to the intimidation! You can't change your interviewer and more than likely he/she doesn't want to be changed, so it is best to take the intimidation and turn it in your favor. How? Show yourself as a cool and collected individual. Don't let it faze you! Your interviewer will see you as someone who is cool under pressure and someone who knows how to handle distressing circumstances. So when you notice a slight or even an apparent intimation tactic in play. Be cool, and do not give in to the intimidation.
And Lastly, RELAX!
Take a deep breath and realize that you are here because your potential employer saw something in you that he/she could possibly use! Relax and take your time when answering the questions.
Always remember that you are in control of this interview. Proper preparation and implementing coping methods during the interview will help you to deal with a stressful interview. When you come out of it, you will realize that you did your best! It's as simple as that. Have confidence! You can do it.
Recognize Your Stress
This is the first step to dealing with a stressful interview. Recognizing that you are stressed in the first place! Some early signs that may alert you of your body's stress level may include, but are not limited to: tightening of the shoulders, neck and back, sweaty palms, dry mouth and increased heart rate. Early detection of such signs and symptoms is imperative when formulating a plan of action to combat stress during an interview.
Preparation
Advanced preparation is vital to performing well during an interview. Like any other task you will perform throughout your lifetime, participating effectively at a job interview requires preparation. Prepare your mind and your body for this interview. Sleeping well the night before, eating a well balanced breakfast or lunch, and acknowledging your anxiety, goes well with preparing for this interview. Being well prepared dramatically decreases the levels of stress you may experience. You will find when you're prepared that you are not "grabbing at straws", or "groping for words." And the delivery of your answers will be fluent and appear to be well thought out.
Listen
Listen carefully to what your interviewer is saying. If possible, train your ears to listen for "hidden" questions that he/she may bring up later. An example of this is: "We try our best to make all of our employees happy. Our most loyal of employees hold us in high regard, but still there are some who are not happy." Later he may ask you how you feel about your previous employer. It doesn't matter how badly your previous employers treated you, do NOT speak abusively of them! Potential employers will see you as having a complaining mind-set. It's best to be positive at all times. Keep listening and think before you speak.
Do Not Give in to Intimidation
Some potential employers purposely intimidate you to see how you will react under pressure. Do not give in to the intimidation! You can't change your interviewer and more than likely he/she doesn't want to be changed, so it is best to take the intimidation and turn it in your favor. How? Show yourself as a cool and collected individual. Don't let it faze you! Your interviewer will see you as someone who is cool under pressure and someone who knows how to handle distressing circumstances. So when you notice a slight or even an apparent intimation tactic in play. Be cool, and do not give in to the intimidation.
And Lastly, RELAX!
Take a deep breath and realize that you are here because your potential employer saw something in you that he/she could possibly use! Relax and take your time when answering the questions.
Always remember that you are in control of this interview. Proper preparation and implementing coping methods during the interview will help you to deal with a stressful interview. When you come out of it, you will realize that you did your best! It's as simple as that. Have confidence! You can do it.
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