Interviews often make us worried. It’s true, nearly everyone feels uncomfortable and anxious before an interview. It’s reasonable.
We have prepared a few life hacks that will help you decrease your anxiety and make an interview more productive.
1. Change your point of view.
You should remember that when you are coming for an interview, it’s not just them choosing you; you are also having a close look at the company and its representatives. Yes, sometimes, HR professionals or employers make the interview stressful, but remember that they are as interested in you as you are in them. An interview is a negotiation.
2. Obtain experience.
Interviews are a great way to train your confidence and communication skills. The more interviews you visit, the calmer and more stable you will feel during them.
If you find a job offer that suits you, but you don’t like the conditions or the company, try to go for the interview nonetheless. Especially if you are only at the beginning of your career. It will allow you to get an idea about the questions asked and about the requirements for the position. You will know what to change about your CV and answers after such an interview.
Don’t be afraid to ask why your application was declined. An employer is supposed to provide an explanation for their decision. This information will be very useful for you.
3. Sincerity.
It’s okay to feel nervous during an interview. It will show that you find this work important. To reduce your level of anxiety, you can say straight from the beginning that you are worried. No need to cry, throw your arms around the interviewer, or crumple paper nervously. You can simply say that this is an important and exciting event for you. If you put how you feel into words, your anxiety will become lower.
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4. Affordable Weakness.
People often ask about your strengths and weaknesses during interviews. It would be wrong to say that you have no weaknesses.
It simply cannot be true. However, it doesn’t mean that you need to overshare. Try to find your weaknesses that might be useful for your employer.
For example, I have hyper-responsibility and I suffer from it. I always come in early and miss my morning coffee because of it. I always make sure to check everything several times.
Your potential employer might see it as something useful. Try to find less common strengths (not “I am a responsible and productive person”), come up with something more detailed and personal.
For example, “I can see the whole picture”, “I am good with empathy and listening which will help me gain out client’s favor and sell more”, etc.
5. Professional sincerity.
Even if you have experience in your field, it’s okay to not know something. It’s important to be honest during an interview and show that you are open to learning and developing in your position.
6. Listen to yourself.
It’s important to feel comfortable in a company. Work is a big part of your life. Unsuitable office atmosphere can position your condition.
If you don’t like the company or its employees, if you understand that you will feel stressed going there in the morning, it’s better to reject the offer in order to preserve your mental health, even if it will mean that your search for a new job continues.
You have the right to choose what’s best for you.
