Help/ Anxiety attack

[ElephantsHear]

I had an online interview today at 1 pm. My cell and ipad wouldn't allow touch (maybe I got it wet). I get on my laptop, but anxiety caused me not to be able to think of my password to my email. I get on email finally and find out the interview has been cancelled and I need to re-schedule (huge relief). I had a small panic attack. I got blurry vision/ couldn't think/ breathing sped up (typical for me). I'm just shaken up by the panic attack because they're usually infrequent and I want to return to work. If anyone has a story of how everything went wrong, but it turned out for the better, please share. I feel embarassed/ nervous about re-entering the workforce. I want to work in the field I was trained in.

[Focusedmind]

I am so sorry this happened to you! I can imagine your panic at not being able to remember your password or use your iPad or cell by touch. That sounds like a nightmare, but we have all messed up in these ways!

Well, that's past, so look at it as a learning experience and use it to write down a list of things you can do to be ready for the next online interview. Use today's mistakes to motivate you for subsequent interviews.

Regarding re-entering the workforce, have your answers ready for when the interviewer asks you the question about returning to work. And I certainly understand wanting to work in the field you have been trained in, so do your best homework in this area. Good luck!

[ElephantsHear in reply to Focusedmind]

thank you so much for your kind words! It really made my day having your support. Thank you again.

[ElephantsHear in reply to Focusedmind]

Hi Focused- I had the interview earlier today. I talk too much when I’m anxious. One question, I asked if I had answered her it. She said, “not really” so I asked her to repeat it and gave a matter of fact answer. I have mixed emotions because I think (hope) my knowledge of the job was key, but the over- talking might have come off as dis-jointed/ scattered. I have fear of failure (hard on myself). Thank you for listening/ offering support. The workload sounded heavy so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.

[Focusedmind]

Before interviews, I used to review the many possible questions the person might ask and write the answers down concisely. Then I would try to memorize short phrases from the answers to be ready.

Also, maybe do some meditation exercises with deep breathing before going into these online interviews, so you are calm and won't be compelled to talk too much. Sometimes, I think interviewers are very quiet, which makes people being interviewed want to overtalk because they want to fill the quiet space. Try to pause and smile instead.

[ElephantsHear in reply to Focusedmind]

You’re spot on- quietness made me feel like I had to fill in the space. I haven’t worked in 9 months so giving specific examples were difficult and I know that it’s good practice for the next interview. Thank you for your tips and encouragement. Have a great night.

[designguy]

One of the things you can do to reduce your anxiety is to prepare yourself ahead of time. The day before your interview, write down your password, make any notes you might need to refer to and make sure your phone/laptop are working properly. The more prepared you are the more you will feel in control and it will reduce your anxiety. If you do get anxious, allow yourself to be anxious, it's very common with interviews, beating yourself up will just add to your anxiety so stop yourself before doing it.

[ElephantsHear in reply to designguy]

thank you so much! Great tips. the interview was good practice if nothing else. I thought the job description fit my work experience/ what I want to do very well so I’m holding some hope. ; ). I let you guys know. Have a good night.

[designguy in reply to ElephantsHear]

You're very welcome, hope it goes well for you.

[PeaceNeed]

Im just going to say I wish u well.