Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.
Michael Jordan
It is natural to feel anxious before a job interview. Someone is about to scrutinize your knowledge, appearance, mannerisms, what you say, and how you say it. If they like you, it could mean a job offer, a sweet salary, and the corner office. And if they don’t like you, you soon might find yourself in a miserable position. I may be exaggerating, but it is exactly the kind of thing you’re thinking when you’re stressing out about a job interview or a sales presentation.
Unfortunately, that pre-interview anxiety can really sabotage your performance on the big day. Having said that, I would like to mention some key factors which you should keep in mind before going for an interview. These factors will not only channelize the positive energy within you but will also motivate you to look towards the future and challenges in a different way.
One has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear.
Everything you want is on the other side of your fear.
Prepare well because preparation is the key.
A certain amount of anxiety in a stressful situation is healthy but the problem arises when that little bit of nervousness becomes a debilitating case of anxiety. This happens when you are not well prepared for your day. Preparation and being well-read is the key to being calm, confident and in command of your subject. Probably instead of being nervous, you will look forward to the interview in a positive way.
Research thoroughly.
Know your opponent and their strengths. Nothing frustrates a hiring manager more than when they sit down to interview someone for a job and he or she has no knowledge about their company.
It is a waste of time for the hiring manager and the interviewee. No matter how impressive their resumes look, if applicants know nothing about the company it shows that they did not take the time to go above and beyond to try and set themselves apart from other applicants.
Let me tell you a few facts about why it is important to know about the organization that you are interviewing for before your interview:
- It demonstrates your enthusiasm for the career field, and more importantly, the organization
- It allows you to be able to articulate to your interviewer how your skills, knowledge, and values match those of the organization and industry.
- It helps determine if it is an organization at which you would want to devote the next few years of your work life.
- It can help you answer the question, “Why do you want to work for us?”
- It provides you with the foundation for asking thoughtful questions during the interview.
Discover and develop your reasoning.
Ask yourself important questions like “WHY” while preparing for the topics. It is important to discover your reasoning skills and work on improving them. You might have the answer to a straightforward question but what if you get cross-questioned? It is better to grasp something with reasonable evidence so that you can have the confidence to support your answers. Most of the interviews that I have attended or taken, I have always looked at a candidate’s reasoning ability and their eagerness to learn and grow. Often you are asked a question — out of the blue — that you will not be able to answer because you have not gone deep into the details. Later on, you might think and guess what! you will discover later on that, you know the answer to the question because you analyzed and thought about it.
Don’t be afraid to say NO for something you don’t know.
Don’t try to be an expert on everything. It is less embarrassing to honestly say, ‘I don’t know,’ than it is to blunder your way through a topic. Understand that interviews are frequently stressful situations and that you may not remember something and while the two are related, see if you can verbalize the correct “I can’t remember right now” instead of the generic “I don’t know”.
Obviously, there are many shades to this – If you are expected to know something and you really don’t know it, it is best to be open about it; After all, you don’t want to be handed some responsibility that you are totally unprepared to handle. On the other hand, there are jobs that will make you stretch and take you to places that you have not been before. It also depends if the question is related to the main competency required for the job or if it is about one of the many attributes related to the role. Since I have been an interviewee and an interviewer as well, my personal recommendation would be to accept your ignorance about the topic gracefully and try to show eagerness to learn about it rather than to beat around the bush, hoping to avoid the embarrassment of saying “I do not know”.
Go with an open mind to learn but ask questions if you are not convinced.
Open-mindedness is very important when you are dealing with an interview. Even if you are the overachiever, know your stuff really well and feel that the interviewer is not talking up to the point then also you should be capable of being a good listener. You can always challenge their viewpoint but with sufficient evidence to support. Also, you need to watch your tone because it might happen that interviewer is trying to puzzle you and see if you are able to catch the mistake and point it out.
Get ready even if it is not face-to-face. It will help in setting the tone for your interview.
Although job-related skills and experience rank high in importance in whether or not you land the position, during the initial hiring process they have less power than most of us think. That’s because the first thing we notice about someone is their appearance, and more specifically, the way they are dressed. When you’re thinking about what to wear, choose an outfit that is customary to your industry. Proper attire for an interview will create a halo effect, meaning your interviewer will see you in a positive light and forgive any minor gaffes you may make. Having said that, I would like to stress on the importance of dressing up and getting ready for a telephonic interview as well because it will set the tone for the interview and you will find yourself more confident and attentive.
Sometimes you just have to give yourself the pep talk like, “hello you badass, amazing human being, don’t be afraid, you’re doing great.. keep going.
Give yourself a pep talk when ready.
We all have moments when we need that extra boost of confidence—and we need it in a hurry. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming performance review or entering the elevator for an interview with your dream company, it Is normal to feel a little overwhelmed and anxious. And, while you can repeat your own mantras until you’re blue in the face, there’s only so many times you can say “I think I can” and still believe it. Ultimately it is only you who knows the level of preparation you have done, the skill set that you possess and the intensity of anxiousness that you have. Once you are done with all your hard work now comes the most important part – the pep talk. You have the potential, knowledge and the drive to ace the interview so there is no need to pay attention to the discomfort that you may face. Rather give yourself a pep talk and think that you are meant to be experiencing this discomfort so that you become aware, at a profound level; what you are made of and the things that don’t resonate with you. Think of it as a muscle that’s tearing and burning. That’s the only way it can grow back stronger. There is no way you can anticipate everything so trust the process.
Last but not the least: don’t give-in to desperation.
No matter how desperately you want the job, remember that it is just one opportunity. Your entire future is not dependent on landing that particular job. You don’t even know that much about the position yet. Sure, it looks good on paper, but it’s not your only option. No matter what happens, the interview will be a learning experience that will make you a better job candidate and savvier professional in the long run.
Focus on projecting confidence and putting all of that preparation (see above) to use. You cannot control the employer’s decision-making process, but you can control how you present yourself in the interview.
Keep in mind that you are there because they liked your résumé or the impression you made in the screening interview. That’s a compelling reason for you to be upbeat on the day of the interview.
Finally, always remember that you have performed at the best of your capacity.
If you cannot make it then proceed further and learn from your mistakes because there might be a position which will be more relevant to your experience and skill set. Give yourself credit for getting an interview – only a small percentage of people get this far in the process. Give yourself credit for going out there and putting yourself on the line, even though it is painful for you. Give yourself permission to not get job offers. Believe that an offer will come through when it is the right offer – the right fit for the company and for you. Take the control back and reject the feeling of fear.
When you have done everything to prepare for the interview, and you are satisfied that you can present yourself in the best light possible, the next step is for you to let it go. You can learn something from each interview.
Until next time,
Payal
Very good article! As you say it is normal to be nervous but it is all about preparation and confidence and the more interviews you have the more used to it you get!
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Thanks Linda for the read.
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Interviews can be really indimidating although I am lucky that I am usually the interviewer rather than the interviewee
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Chelsea I can completely relate to you because when roles change, our mindset also changes. Being on the other side of the table makes you feel empowered, but I feel more responsibility being there.
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I hate job interviews have always made me awe and in fact in the end I never go well!
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Cristina, doing not well is Okay, trying is important.
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When we are well-prepared, there is basically nothing much to worry. Attend as many and gain confidence and experience from there. But most importantly is do some role play first at home. LOL.
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You brought a very important point. Role play actually helps because I tried it myself during my initial days of career start.
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These are all great pieces of advice. I remember my first job interviews, they always came with emotions. Now I have my own business, so I don’t need to go through that anymore.
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Good to know that Joanna. Keep growing.
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This is a great post. Interviews can be daunting, but it’s important to remain calm. It’s just two people having a conversation. The resume confirms you have the skills, the interview confirms you’ll be able to work with others.
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Thanks Ben for the read.
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My mom struggles with interviews. She is always so bad at putting her best foot forward and is more worried about being herself, I try to tell her a little jazzing it up is necessary but she is what she is, no matter what company she keeps. I will send this to her.
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Tell her to calm down and trust herself because no one can be convinced if she is not. The moment she will realize that she can do it , half of the job is done.
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Be confident, be prepared and be yourself. Lastly try like hell not to be intimidated.
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I hate interviews because I am SOOO bad at talking about myself! but I work from home now so thankfully I am done with that haha
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Good to know that dear.
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These are wonderful tips. I agree that being honest and saying no when you don’t know is the best option than lying. Also research everything well. Going to share with my sister. She has interview Soon.
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Thanks Arun for your kind words. Yes research is important to make interviewers feel that you did your part well and you are really interested.
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Preparing is key! The more confident you go in, the easier it’ll be. It helped me to practice with a friend before but it’s never the same as in there with an often intimidating stranger! I usually break the ice with a little joke… I’m usually awkward lol
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We all are awkward because we try to put our best and please others. I believe the approach should be to prepare and believe that we are good at it. It would become easier for us to put our best in front of others.
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Good tips on interview preparation. Not the most enjoyable of things. Although, I usually find they are way easier once you’ve got into it than originally expected.
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I am always really nervouse about interviews at first. But like you said researching the position and the company is a major key. I recently had to go undergo six rounds of interviews for a job and I just found out I got it yesterday so I’m super stoked about it
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Holiii !!
Interesting post. There are many people who get nervous just thinking about it, but I only made one, and it was not so bad for me.
Good day!!
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Interviews can be scary especially if it’s your first time. These are all great tips and will be of great help to those preparing for their interviews.
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How exciting is this! I love that you’ve shared this at a time when my husband’s niece is looking for her first job opportunity.
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This is a wonderful article and your tips and insights are so spot on! Especially knowing that you can ask questions yourself and that you do not have to be an expert on everything! Just be you and go for easy and open conversation.
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Thank for the TIPS Payal! I’ll definitely use em when I have interviews!
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Job interviews can be so stressful, but usually, they go pretty smoothly. Great tips for those who are anxious in these situations.
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Interviews definitely make my heart skip a few beats. I have always been super prepped and then when I get into it – I clam up so badly!
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These are some great tips.And yes do your homework aka preparation before facing interview
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I am bookmarking this post as it is so good, not just saying it as you have totally done your research. I find a lot of people including myself get nervous and worried about going for interviews. Preparation is so important
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These are great interview tips! Really helpful – saving for later!
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Important guide to a successful interview. This can be a high stress time for people, having a solid plan can make that process easier.
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I haven’t been on an interview in ages, and it is helpful to have some tips. I definitely remember how intimidating it was to answer questions.
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Such great tips! I remember when I had to interview! So thankful I work for myself now, but this brings me back and SO super helpful!
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Interviews can definitely be scary if you’re not prepared for them. This is some great information.
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This is very solid interview advice! A big help for anyone job hunting because it will meke them feel more confident using these methods 🙂
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Omg such a good post! I always get SO nervous before interviews!!
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interviews can be very nerve wracking. this is full of helpful tips!
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These are all super great tips. I think people often underestimate how big of a difference a little bit of research can make in an interview.
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I haven’t interviewed in forever because now I’m self employed, but I used to love them! It’s fun to learn how to present yourself and engage professionally. I didn’t always get the job but I often enjoyed the interview! Great interviewing tips
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I’m pretty used to talking about myself but even I can get nervous on a job interview. Preparation is very important!
Nicole Vick
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Interviews are an opportunity for change. We were scared when we were younger, but now we go into them with more confidence.
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I have been a stay at home mom for 16 years now. I have been looking into going back to work. I have had two interviews. They went well but it was intimidating!
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Its really important that you practiced and researched about the company beforehand! you’ll feel more in control, and will appear cool, calm and collected during your inteview!
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Being in control is very important. You pointed out a great point.
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Totally agree with your thought that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear. It’s good advice to go prepared and with an open mind to an interview because luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. So, if it’s the right opportunity for you, it’ll pan out…else, take your lesson-learnt from the experience and move on.
– Nandita
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Really appreciate your thoughts on the same.
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This is such a great and very informative post. This could be a big help especially for those having a first time interview.
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These are great interview tips. Super informative and will def. try some of these in my next interview.
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well written – i could not agree more with your tips – its so scary at first when one is looking for a new job but your tios do help x kind regards Pati Robins
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As a former HR Recruiter, these are all on point!
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Personally, I do stress a lot before an important interview, mostly, because I do not know what they want to hear. Maybe, which is good answer at some company, not good at a another. Nos I just say the truth, see If they are happy or not.
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Saying truth and not pretending is always the best choice. Small gaffes can be overlooked if you are genuine and talented, your potential will be seen.
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I have been through a few interviews, and I must admit, it’s intimidating. That’s why I’m working to not go through that process as much as possible. 😂
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These are some very relevant pointers. Going for an interview is stressful but going prepared is the key. 😄
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Even though I am pretty confident I can’t stand interviews. I work as a freelancer and had only one other job before this onen I couldn’t pass any interviews for the life of mine.
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Interesting post – some great tips and advice here! I will definitely have to take some of this on board next time I am having interviews x
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Interviews can definitely be very stressful. I think that so many people forget to research the company and it definitely doesn’t look good on them when they don’t! However I think preparation and research can prepare anyone to have a good interview.
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This is all great information I wished more people had or followed. So many people go into interviews without being prepared and sometimes it seems like they are trying to mess up the interview, but in actuality, they are just not prepared and get so intimidated they don’t seem to do that well.
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Wow, what a timely post! After a very long timeI am planning to join office again thus preparing myself for the same. These are great tips and will try to follow them for the interviews ☺
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Interviews could be scary if you came unprepared, there was also a time when my mind just went blank because of over thinking things.
Thanks for sharing, it was a great read!
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Interviews are so intimidating and a bit awkward scenario for me hahaha. But I’ve move on from that. We really have to get through that for us to be employed. Just be confident enough that we are great individuals
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