Job interview - anxiety

[Ohmy1]

Hi, I have been following this forum for a few weeks and this is my first post. I have a job interview today for a position I am well qualified for but am afraid I will not be able to communicate my ability because of my anxiety. The interview is panel style which intensifies my apprehension. Does anyone have tips to help me through this? Thank you.

[Ohmy1]

Thank you for your advice catgirls1976. It is much a

[Ohmy1 in reply to Ohmy1]

It is much appreciated.

[Gillyflower18]

Focus your attention only on the person who addresses you each time. Answer each question the best you can. You’ll be fine. Remember managers and other interviewers probably don’t like doing it either! I’ve been on both sides of the fence and I know this to be true.

[Hidden]

Well, I hate interviews due to anxiety. Especially the panel style. The fact that you are well-qualified should be a source of confidence for you. I always try to keep answers simple and on point. Be yourself though and don’t be afraid to let them see a little bit of your personality. Sometimes people hire people they feel a bit of connection with, no matter how small. They probably don’t want to be in the room any more than you do so any impression you can leave on them helps. Be prepared for the dreaded question of: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” I hate that question. I always want to say “who knows?” but usually give a more diplomatic answer. Take some deep breaths b4 entering. Good luck!! 🍀

[Hidden]

The tell me about yourself question sucks. It’s so random coming from a stranger, especially a potential employer. I always give such a shallow answer but would really like to say, “Well, can you be more specific? And, how much time do you have?” 😀

[JasmineJaz]

Deep breaths and drinking water should always help with anxiety. Don't think of the interviewers as your judges, but your future colleague, and you are only getting to know each other to find out if you are the right fit for each other. The choice is mutual, you want the job, and they want a qualified and fitting person to join the team. If you are well qualified, then I'd say no need to stress, just be you, talking to someone who you would potentially be working with for the next 5 years.

I think the long term solution would be to do more interviews or presentations to get familiar with such occasion. It will always be stressful if you haven't done it in a while, so it is totally normal. Other candidates are probably stressing from the same, no matter how they hold up the appearance.

Best of luck on the interview! ☀️🌈

[Blueruth]

Follow the advice but have fun with it. These are potentially new coworkers. don’t be silly but a smile and a small joke goes along way. When I interview people I look for them to think about the question before answering. If it is an open ending “not a right or wrong” question I like it when they say they need to think about it. It demonstrates critical thinking and humility. With one guy I asked what he would improve in a particular process since he had a lot to say about what everyone was doing wrong. His immediate response was “nothing”. That was not a good answer. I would have said “I need to think about it” and explain what I thought was good which might have triggered an improvement. Unfortunately (IMO) he got the job so take that with a grain of salt.

If you don’t get it the interview is not a loss. Every interview is a lesson about yourself and skills. When I go onto the job market I always fail the first interview and it always teaches me something.

[Ohmy1]

Thanks to all for your help. The interview went well. Usually after an interview I ruminate over a list of perceived errors but not come to mind this time. However, I will probably think of some at 3:00 a.m. while trying to sleep. 😒

Thanks again for your advice.

[Hidden in reply to Ohmy1]

Good job! I hear you about the 3 AM ruminating. So glad it went well. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. 👍❤️

[Ohmy1]

Thank you!

[designguy]

I was going to recommend that you think of it as you interviewing them to determine if you want to work there. That way you feel more in control of the situation and in an offensive rather than a defensive position.