How to remain calm and confident before an interview?

[GoldenMaknae97]

I am currently a first semester MPH student and I have a part time job interview soon which I am terrified of. My anxiety has already started to take over and I haven't been able to focus on homework or anything because I am already overthinking possible scenarios where I mess up the interview or don't get chosen because I didn't do well, or even worse scenarios where I am struggling doing the actual job, or where I am stressed about driving to the job in Houston traffic. It's so dumb but my thoughts are getting the best of me right now. I am also afraid of failure and not being able to handle a job and school at the same time. Any advice on how to stay calm, or achieve some level of calm??

[langedechu]

i think the best thing for you to do is realize that you're not perfect. no one is. you may make a mistake during this interview. something may happen. it's all natural. just go for it, do your best, and stop worrying. if you worry then something bad is more likely to happen. tell yourself that you got this (even if you don't think so), and if you do get the job and struggle there, talk to someone about it. maybe even your boss, because if they're kind enough they might just understand.

[GoldenMaknae97 in reply to langedechu]

thank you!!!

[lofi_cat]

I'm interviewing for new jobs right now too, and the anxiety is real! My heart beats so hard in the hour leading up to it that all my preparation goes right out the window and I can barely remember my name. The only thing that has helped me is meditation. I started doing transcendental meditation a couple of years ago and lapsed for a while, but now before every interview, I spend 10-15 minutes meditating and it's a lifesaver. I can't stop the panicky thoughts 100% but I can push a lot of it out of my mind and bring my heartrate down to something like normal. Maybe that could help you--it doesn't have to be TM, just some kind of mindfulness or something that gives you that biofeedback of calmness.

[GoldenMaknae97 in reply to lofi_cat]

thank you!! My interview went well

[Bigbrighteyes96]

Hi Golden, I don't like interviews, because I get nervous/ anxious and never feel like I sell myself that well. I never think I have aced an interview. All you can do is try your best, and be yourself. Remember you are interviewing them as well as them interviewing you! They are trying to sell the job to you as well. I find writing down answers to potential questions (I try to google them) gives me an idea of what to say and this helps me calm my nerves.

[GoldenMaknae97 in reply to Bigbrighteyes96]

thank you! I actually tried the googling thing and it helped a bit

[GoldenMaknae97]

thank you!! It went well

[Bigbrighteyes96]

Yay that is good. I'm glad it helped

[GoldenMaknae97]

update: I did not get the job