Interviewing for a job is never easy. You may feel overwhelmed and anxious by the very idea of it. Most people feel this way about job interviews. Nevertheless, we all have to face them. This blog will help you become more aware of your anxious feelings and alleviate some of that anxiety.
Understanding Your Anxiety
First off, it may be beneficial to understand why you have anxiety in the first place. Fear of failure is the main one. Fear that you may not get the job can be scary. You’re also going into an environment where you’ll be judged. The spotlight is on you, and you essentially have center stage.
But guess what? The pressure isn’t only on you. Think about the interviewer. They are looking for someone like you and need you. They too feel the stress and possible anxiety to make the right choice or find the right fit. Know that you are not alone in the interview. You are merely having a conversation with another human being. Both of you are at the interview to learn something.
Do Your Research Prior to the Job Interview
The more prepared we are, the more confident we will be. Having as much knowledge as possible will decrease our anxiety. Make sure to do your research on the business or place you are interviewing for. This can help give you an idea of what the company stands for and what they might be looking for in an interviewee.
After doing some research, you may come up with a few questions you might have for them. Jot those down and take them with you. Not only will it show that you are highly interested, but it will also give you something to lean on or discuss later in the interview.
Do you get nervous driving to new places? Some people like to do a test drive before the day of the interview. This way they already know where they are going and won’t get lost the day of. It will be less nerve-racking of a drive if you already know the route.
Do Your Research Prior to the Job Interview
The more prepared we are, the more confident we will be. Having as much knowledge as possible will decrease our anxiety. Make sure to do your research on the business or place you are interviewing for. This can help give you an idea of what the company stands for and what they might be looking for in an interviewee.
After doing some research, you may come up with a few questions you might have for them. Jot those down and take them with you. Not only will it show that you are highly interested, but it will also give you something to lean on or discuss later in the interview.
Do you get nervous driving to new places? Some people like to do a test drive before the day of the interview. This way they already know where they are going and won’t get lost the day of. It will be less nerve-racking of a drive if you already know the route.
Practice Before the Job Interview
A great way to reduce your anxiety before a job interview is to practice (you know, like that old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect!”) Take some time and do a mini-interview simulation. There are common questions that most interviews entail. Knowing how you’ll answer beforehand can be helpful.
One of the most common questions asked is what your strengths and/or weaknesses are. Think about this one. You don’t need to have anything recited, but having a general idea as to what you want your answer to be can reduce anxiety during the actual interview.
Try practicing other questions, like what made you choose the job, or what your desired hours are. Things like this can get your brain in the interview mode and help you feel more comfortable.
The Night Before the Interview
Believe it or not, you can never be too prepared.
Have your outfit picked out the night before. This saves you time and any added-on stress you might feel in the morning. Make it easier for yourself and have this decision already made.
Have a hearty breakfast. Nothing too sugary. Feed your body and give it some fuel for your day. Whether your interview is in the morning or the afternoon, don’t go hungry. Treat yourself to a meal or snack that will make you feel good.
Sleep is essential. Try to get into bed early. After you have your clothes laid out, your resume printed, your route planned out/ transportation taken care of, you can start your bedtime routine. The earlier, the better. You have practiced some interview questions, and you are prepared for the day to come. You will do your best, and everything else is out of your control.
Visualize Success of Your Job Interview
Visualization is a powerful tool. If you find it hard to get to sleep early or find yourself becoming anxious, visualize your success.
Picture yourself walking into the interview strong and confident. You have a smile on your face and you are ready to nail the interview. You sit comfortably and enjoy the conversation you and the interviewer have.
Actually imagine yourself shaking hands with the interviewer at the end and being told how great an interview it was.
In your visualization, you are a success. You feel energized and proud. You got the job. Embrace that feeling and breathe into it.
Relaxation Techniques for Interviews
These relaxation techniques are great tools for whatever stands in your way, whether it be an interview or a first date.. A lot of them have to do with the breathing.
Try to breathe deeply through your diaphragm; fill up your entire body, and slowly exhale. This should give your body a sense of calm. Practice slow breathing as often and frequently as you like. This truly lowers your anxiety and keeps you in the present moment.
Another technique is grounding. Grounding yourself in the present moment is vital. There are several exercises to do this. One that I like involves using your five senses. Here’s how it works:
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Take your hand, palm up, and spread your fingers.
- With your eyes closed, start with your fifth finger and name five things you could see if your eyes were open.
- Then visualizing your fourth finger, list four things you can hear.
- Then three things you can smell.
- Two things you can touch.
- And one thing you can taste.
If you are ever stuck, just breathe. In through your nose and out through your mouth. If it feels uncomfortable to close your eyes, do it with your eyes open. Tell yourself that you are safe. If it helps, you can give yourself a mantra, i.e., “I am safe”, “I am relaxed”, or “I am present”. You can repeat your mantra with your deep breathing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Other techniques deal with your thoughts. Our thoughts create our feelings. Anxiety usually stems from thoughts that make us anxious. Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT techniques can help settle your mind for your interview.
First, become aware of your thoughts. What are the things that you are telling yourself? You have the power to control those thoughts. You may have thoughts like “I’m not good enough for the job” or “I’m going to do horribly at the interview.” When you notice these thoughts come up, it’s essential to stop them. Thought-stopping is a technique that allows us to control our negative thinking patterns.
Not only should you stop the negative thoughts, but you can also negate them. You can choose to either listen to those negative thoughts or to change them. Instead of telling yourself, “I’m not going to do well,” tell yourself, “I’m going to do great.” Affirm the positive.
CBT helps us control our thoughts. Ultimately it is our thinking that leads us to feel anxious. When those thoughts of failure or anxiety creep in, stop them, and work against them. Flip those negative thoughts to a positive.
Congratulate Yourself
Congratulate yourself for being brave to take on this interview. Nobody likes interviews. You, however, decided to put yourself out there, go against your anxiety and what it tells you, and take on this interview.
Have self-compassion. Be kind to yourself no matter how the interview goes. Give yourself positive reinforcement for trying no matter the outcome.
When it’s over, try not to overthink it. This can add to your anxiety. You cannot undo or change anything that has happened. Be proud of yourself for accomplishing the interview. Celebrate even if you don’t get the job.
Congratulate Yourself
Congratulate yourself for being brave to take on this interview. Nobody likes interviews. You, however, decided to put yourself out there, go against your anxiety and what it tells you, and take on this interview.
Have self-compassion. Be kind to yourself no matter how the interview goes. Give yourself positive reinforcement for trying no matter the outcome.
When it’s over, try not to overthink it. This can add to your anxiety. You cannot undo or change anything that has happened. Be proud of yourself for accomplishing the interview. Celebrate even if you don’t get the job.
Normalize Your Anxiety
You probably already know this, but anxiety is one of the most common conditions out there. You are definitely not alone in this struggle
I don’t know anyone who enjoys going on an interview. It takes courage and confidence. Anxiety is a natural feeling that is going to accompany you. The way we utilize our anxiety makes the most significant difference. We can turn our anxiety into motivation. Our anxiety can give us the energy to go for it. We can then make anxiety work in our favor.
If you think you could benefit from learning tools and techniques to lower your anxiety, whether it’s for a job interview or not, I’m here to help. Don’t hesitate to call Essence of Healing Counseling in Fort Lauderdale at 954-526-4006. I specialize in anxiety and treating anxiety disorders. Schedule your first free 20-minute phone consultation or book your first appointment
You Know That Nagging, Voice of Self-Doubt in Your Head? Tell It to Shut Up.
With therapy for anxiety, self esteem, or migraines, I can help you build an arsenal of tools you can use to achieve the life you deserve. Believe me. You got this!
Therapy & Coaching at Essence of Healing Counseling Services
Roberta Alves is a Therapist and Development Coach at Essence of Healing Counseling, located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is also a Certified Anxiety Specialist who uses the solution focused and evidence based therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy. Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety and improving self-esteem. Roberta provides counseling services to her clients who live in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas in her office in downtown, and also through telehealth counseling via online video and phone sessions. She also provides coaching services to clients throughout the country via online video and phone sessions. If you want to learn proven techniques to overcome stress, improve your self-esteem, and achieve your goals, call (954) 526-4006 to schedule an appointment today.
