Dealing with interview nerves
Discussion
I guess nerves for interview manifest themselves in differing ways. Whilst I have no problems with nerves at any other time (I am quite happily to enter a scenario where someone is threatening physical violence), I struggle with nerves during interviews. This has happened to me on 2 occasions in the last couple of years and whilst passing other aptitude tests for each role, I've failed both times during interview.
My problem is that whilst I'm well prepared for the interview, when it comes to being asked the questions, I find myself stumbling over words, struggling to find the words and generally losing my train of thought despite having gone through answers in my head, in the shower, in the car prior to it. The first time I experienced it, I was so embarrassed that I literally couldnt answer the question, then struggled on the next question before actually just giving up mid interview knowing that i'd already done the damage.
I fear that the more I have, the more this problem will hamper me. I'd say I was a good candidate for both roles which have eluded me, and that has come down to absolutely dreadful interview performance. I knew i'd blown it both times within the first 2 questions.
Any ideas on how to overcome it? I'm sure its not uncommon but its really worrying me for when it no doubt happens next time.
My problem is that whilst I'm well prepared for the interview, when it comes to being asked the questions, I find myself stumbling over words, struggling to find the words and generally losing my train of thought despite having gone through answers in my head, in the shower, in the car prior to it. The first time I experienced it, I was so embarrassed that I literally couldnt answer the question, then struggled on the next question before actually just giving up mid interview knowing that i'd already done the damage.
I fear that the more I have, the more this problem will hamper me. I'd say I was a good candidate for both roles which have eluded me, and that has come down to absolutely dreadful interview performance. I knew i'd blown it both times within the first 2 questions.
Any ideas on how to overcome it? I'm sure its not uncommon but its really worrying me for when it no doubt happens next time.
Serious answers (May sound silly )
Simple Hypnosis 2 -3 sessions would do, wears off after a while but you can have a cd on an Ipod that you use to help you before the interview. Tried it for fear of flying and it worked although lasted 2 years ish.
Breathing techniques, try a self help book from the libary - this type of nerves is caused by increased adrenalin (fight of Flight) but with nowhere to be used
Exercise lomg walk before interview
Practice with a friend or partner - feels silly but helps
Understanding what fear you have about the interview and rationalising it. Most fears can be traced back to childhood example would be if you had parents who had a strong work ethic and thought it important to work you may worry about not having a job and it displays itself as nerves - again self help books work.
I didnt believe in all this sort of stuff but needed it after serious post traumatic stress and it helps.
Simple Hypnosis 2 -3 sessions would do, wears off after a while but you can have a cd on an Ipod that you use to help you before the interview. Tried it for fear of flying and it worked although lasted 2 years ish.
Breathing techniques, try a self help book from the libary - this type of nerves is caused by increased adrenalin (fight of Flight) but with nowhere to be used
Exercise lomg walk before interview
Practice with a friend or partner - feels silly but helps
Understanding what fear you have about the interview and rationalising it. Most fears can be traced back to childhood example would be if you had parents who had a strong work ethic and thought it important to work you may worry about not having a job and it displays itself as nerves - again self help books work.
I didnt believe in all this sort of stuff but needed it after serious post traumatic stress and it helps.
I sympathise. Interviews are stressful. I think it's acceptable to pause briefly before answering a question to give yourself time to organise your thoughts. Politicians do it all the time, but they fill the pause with words :
"Well, Jeremy, I'm really very glad indeed that you asked me that question, because I believe that this is a very important issue which has significant implications for all of us as individuals and for the country as a whole as we move forward....." and so on.
This spiel has very little meaning, but it allows them time to think through what they are actually going to say in answer to the question.
If I were interviewing someone, I would be much more impressed if they paused to collect their thoughts before giving me a coherent, well thought-through answer, rather than just launching straight into a reply which didn't make much sense.
"Well, Jeremy, I'm really very glad indeed that you asked me that question, because I believe that this is a very important issue which has significant implications for all of us as individuals and for the country as a whole as we move forward....." and so on.
This spiel has very little meaning, but it allows them time to think through what they are actually going to say in answer to the question.
If I were interviewing someone, I would be much more impressed if they paused to collect their thoughts before giving me a coherent, well thought-through answer, rather than just launching straight into a reply which didn't make much sense.
Some good advice given there. Many people (including some quite senior) also benefit from investing in interview techniques training that not only covers this scenario but also dress, mannerisms, confidence building measures and answering techniques as well as a whole host of other 'do's & dont's'. They see this as a critical investment, applying the same levels of preparation to this in order to improve their chances as they do on their CV and general training and development. I and others can offer this type of support; PM me if you think this may be of some assistance. Good luck!
I realise this may not be totally helpful, but anyway, take from it what you will.
I once went for an interview for a role for which I was convinced that I wasn't qualified, and was being sent as a "filler". So, right from the start the pressure was off. Why did I go? Well I was fresh(ish) out of uni, and wasn't in a position to say no to agencies. Anyway...
I decided that as I had nothing to lose, I would try out some of my theories, and if I looked a fool then nothing was lost:
Super-confident handshake to start with, slightly insane-TV-interviewer nodding smile. Before they (an intimidating panel of outgoing manager with a new MBA, finance director and MD) could say anything, I got in with the flattery and "I've been looking at some of the things you do" and looked appropriately thrilled by it all. Lots of looking people in the eye, smiling lots and nodding, Tony Blair hand movements, over the top management-speak (one thing which uni prepared me for surprisingly well). Reflecting their own mannerisms seemed to go down particularly well.
Hateful company, awful people, and in a horrible part of Bradford.
I hadn't got more than 5 minutes down the road and they offered me the job. No, I didn't accept.
I guess the thing to take away from that is that you are acting a part. People often say "be yourself", but that is rarely enough to get through an interview. I'm afraid presentation can be much more valuable than content.
I once went for an interview for a role for which I was convinced that I wasn't qualified, and was being sent as a "filler". So, right from the start the pressure was off. Why did I go? Well I was fresh(ish) out of uni, and wasn't in a position to say no to agencies. Anyway...
I decided that as I had nothing to lose, I would try out some of my theories, and if I looked a fool then nothing was lost:
Super-confident handshake to start with, slightly insane-TV-interviewer nodding smile. Before they (an intimidating panel of outgoing manager with a new MBA, finance director and MD) could say anything, I got in with the flattery and "I've been looking at some of the things you do" and looked appropriately thrilled by it all. Lots of looking people in the eye, smiling lots and nodding, Tony Blair hand movements, over the top management-speak (one thing which uni prepared me for surprisingly well). Reflecting their own mannerisms seemed to go down particularly well.
Hateful company, awful people, and in a horrible part of Bradford.
I hadn't got more than 5 minutes down the road and they offered me the job. No, I didn't accept.
I guess the thing to take away from that is that you are acting a part. People often say "be yourself", but that is rarely enough to get through an interview. I'm afraid presentation can be much more valuable than content.
Might not be the best way of doing it, but recently I've had 4 job interviews and was offered the job on every occassion. I basically convince myself that I'll get the job before I go to the interview, this gives me (probably overly assured) confidence and I come across better then I would if I was worrying about it. It's not good if you don't then get the job but it's not the end of the world.
Another thing I've been doing recently is doing some research into who is going to be interviewing me, you usually get a name and from that and the company name you can usually find them on facebook, linkedin or 192 people etc. In the last interview I was in I found that the guy interviewing me was really into horse riding and I worked for a while as an equestrian photographer, so I mentioned it (without mentioning the online stalking lol) and we ended up chatting about that for most of the interview.
Another thing I've been doing recently is doing some research into who is going to be interviewing me, you usually get a name and from that and the company name you can usually find them on facebook, linkedin or 192 people etc. In the last interview I was in I found that the guy interviewing me was really into horse riding and I worked for a while as an equestrian photographer, so I mentioned it (without mentioning the online stalking lol) and we ended up chatting about that for most of the interview.
Morning,
A good interviewer will notice your nerves and try their best to re assure and relax you, however some interviewers see the process as some kind of mano a mano combat, and go for the throat at the first sign.
Remember that your interviewers WANT you to succeed, then they can stop interviewing people ! So mentally place yourself on a five out of ten score before you even set foot in the building.
Have a couple of easy questions, stuff you can ask on the way in to the room – get a “human” conversation going – how many people on this site? Is this the only office ? How long have you worked here? Isn’t the traffic terrible – etc just normal casual but personable stuff.
Structure of your answers – the STAR technique.
Situation, Task, Action, Result. Having that in your head at ALL times. Is the easiest way to answer questions, not get lost along the way and to help the interviewer follow your answer. If you are unfamiliar with it, read up on the net – loads of advice.
Nerves as such, ADMIT IT ! Just be honest, say something like, “it’s funny, I am not normally a nervous person, but I haven’t had many interviews in my career to date, and sometimes I feel nervous,” Ok this is potentially a little risky but two things happen – 1. It will calm you down, as you won’t be wondering all the time if they have spotted how nervous you are. Two if they do see nerves, they are seeing something they already know about so will discount it, but if they don’t see any nervous – they will think (generally) that you are outperforming.
OK it might not work for a really hard assed MD – but it should relax you and enbable you to perform – embrace your nervous, it is a spur to want to do well !
A good interviewer will notice your nerves and try their best to re assure and relax you, however some interviewers see the process as some kind of mano a mano combat, and go for the throat at the first sign.
Remember that your interviewers WANT you to succeed, then they can stop interviewing people ! So mentally place yourself on a five out of ten score before you even set foot in the building.
Have a couple of easy questions, stuff you can ask on the way in to the room – get a “human” conversation going – how many people on this site? Is this the only office ? How long have you worked here? Isn’t the traffic terrible – etc just normal casual but personable stuff.
Structure of your answers – the STAR technique.
Situation, Task, Action, Result. Having that in your head at ALL times. Is the easiest way to answer questions, not get lost along the way and to help the interviewer follow your answer. If you are unfamiliar with it, read up on the net – loads of advice.
Nerves as such, ADMIT IT ! Just be honest, say something like, “it’s funny, I am not normally a nervous person, but I haven’t had many interviews in my career to date, and sometimes I feel nervous,” Ok this is potentially a little risky but two things happen – 1. It will calm you down, as you won’t be wondering all the time if they have spotted how nervous you are. Two if they do see nerves, they are seeing something they already know about so will discount it, but if they don’t see any nervous – they will think (generally) that you are outperforming.
OK it might not work for a really hard assed MD – but it should relax you and enbable you to perform – embrace your nervous, it is a spur to want to do well !
Sh4dow said:
Another thing I've been doing recently is doing some research into who is going to be interviewing me, you usually get a name and from that and the company name you can usually find them on facebook, linkedin or 192 people etc. In the last interview I was in I found that the guy interviewing me was really into horse riding and I worked for a while as an equestrian photographer, so I mentioned it (without mentioning the online stalking lol) and we ended up chatting about that for most of the interview.
Do this. It works a treat, even better if they have a photo on linkdin as knowing who to expect helps alot.
Also you can brush up on standard interview questions etc. There is some good advice on Monster.
It sounds like your over thinking it. Try and distract yourself/relax yourself leading up to the interview.
For me it was preparation. Making sure I knew a bit about the company so i didn't waffle. Practicing some questions to someone to try and give natural confident, concise answers. Or basically feel more natural at it
I thought I did s
te tbh, and wrote it off as soon as I left. I was in there for 2 hours and it was pointed out to me that they wouldnt bother for that long if they thought I was rubbish. Got a call the next morning.
I had an early interview too. I like early things as I dont stress for too long. So maybe being busy beforehand would help?
I thought I did s
te tbh, and wrote it off as soon as I left. I was in there for 2 hours and it was pointed out to me that they wouldnt bother for that long if they thought I was rubbish. Got a call the next morning.I had an early interview too. I like early things as I dont stress for too long. So maybe being busy beforehand would help?
Edited by joema on Tuesday 11th December 22:20
Chicken Chaser said:
My problem is that whilst I'm well prepared for the interview, when it comes to being asked the questions, I find myself stumbling over words, struggling to find the words and generally losing my train of thought despite having gone through answers in my head, in the shower, in the car prior to it. The first time I experienced it, I was so embarrassed that I literally couldnt answer the question, then struggled on the next question before actually just giving up mid interview knowing that i'd already done the damage.
Best bet is to read over the company, and by all means have a practise interview with someone you know will give you honest feedback, but try and be natural in your answers, don't have pre-planned scripts or responses, treat it as if a friend was asking you a question (in a more formal way of course) and answer truthfully and from the heart.
Gargamel said:
Morning,
A good interviewer will notice your nerves and try their best to re assure and relax you, however some interviewers see the process as some kind of mano a mano combat, and go for the throat at the first sign.
Remember that your interviewers WANT you to succeed, then they can stop interviewing people ! So mentally place yourself on a five out of ten score before you even set foot in the building.
Have a couple of easy questions, stuff you can ask on the way in to the room – get a “human” conversation going – how many people on this site? Is this the only office ? How long have you worked here? Isn’t the traffic terrible – etc just normal casual but personable stuff.
Structure of your answers – the STAR technique.
Situation, Task, Action, Result. Having that in your head at ALL times. Is the easiest way to answer questions, not get lost along the way and to help the interviewer follow your answer. If you are unfamiliar with it, read up on the net – loads of advice.
Nerves as such, ADMIT IT ! Just be honest, say something like, “it’s funny, I am not normally a nervous person, but I haven’t had many interviews in my career to date, and sometimes I feel nervous,” Ok this is potentially a little risky but two things happen – 1. It will calm you down, as you won’t be wondering all the time if they have spotted how nervous you are. Two if they do see nerves, they are seeing something they already know about so will discount it, but if they don’t see any nervous – they will think (generally) that you are outperforming.
OK it might not work for a really hard assed MD – but it should relax you and enbable you to perform – embrace your nervous, it is a spur to want to do well !
^^^^ThisA good interviewer will notice your nerves and try their best to re assure and relax you, however some interviewers see the process as some kind of mano a mano combat, and go for the throat at the first sign.
Remember that your interviewers WANT you to succeed, then they can stop interviewing people ! So mentally place yourself on a five out of ten score before you even set foot in the building.
Have a couple of easy questions, stuff you can ask on the way in to the room – get a “human” conversation going – how many people on this site? Is this the only office ? How long have you worked here? Isn’t the traffic terrible – etc just normal casual but personable stuff.
Structure of your answers – the STAR technique.
Situation, Task, Action, Result. Having that in your head at ALL times. Is the easiest way to answer questions, not get lost along the way and to help the interviewer follow your answer. If you are unfamiliar with it, read up on the net – loads of advice.
Nerves as such, ADMIT IT ! Just be honest, say something like, “it’s funny, I am not normally a nervous person, but I haven’t had many interviews in my career to date, and sometimes I feel nervous,” Ok this is potentially a little risky but two things happen – 1. It will calm you down, as you won’t be wondering all the time if they have spotted how nervous you are. Two if they do see nerves, they are seeing something they already know about so will discount it, but if they don’t see any nervous – they will think (generally) that you are outperforming.
OK it might not work for a really hard assed MD – but it should relax you and enbable you to perform – embrace your nervous, it is a spur to want to do well !
Top advice!
Thanks for all the advice guys, i'll take it all on board and look to address it for future interviews. I'll be particularly paying attention to the STAR method as it sounds like a bit of structure certainly might help in giving direction when I think i'm going off track.
Might have one before Christmas so if so, I'll let you know how it goes.
Might have one before Christmas so if so, I'll let you know how it goes.
I've got a second interview monday, this time with 2 people. The 2nd interviewer was mentioned in the first interview and based on the discussion I could swear it was a man. Name was non-descript.
Chacked today as part of my prep, and its a woman.....that would have been a shock. Thank the lord for Linkdin.
Chacked today as part of my prep, and its a woman.....that would have been a shock. Thank the lord for Linkdin.
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