I have an interview tomorrow and social anxiety and I'm really really shitting it!

[HateInterviews]

Its ruined my weekend and all I can think about is this. I can't even prepare for it properly as I just am so worried about it. I'm feeling really nervous already and it's not till tomorrow.

I really hate doing interviews. My last one I did a couple of months ago, I got feedback saying my application was great but at the interview I lacked confidence and appeared too nervous which she felt really let me down. I keep imagining the worst. I would like this job ( I think!). I feel like cancelling. Honestly hate social anxiety. It's a fucking nightmare.

Anyone?

Really feel for you op, I know how horrible it is to have nerves that show. I woukd rehearse, be conscious of slowing your breaths and think to yourself if you get it you get it, if not then what's the worst. Reframe how you view it, that they are rooting for you rather than testing you. They have invested in you coming for interview as they have already seen a good fit for you and their establishment.

Good luck for tomorrow.

Take a deep breath before you answer each question and ask them to repeat if needed.
Just do the best you can - they like the look of you to invite you for interview.
Best of luck

Thank you. I'm sat here trying to prepare. Baby is on my lap as she's been unwell today. Hope she sleeps well tonight though. I probably won't!

If all else fails, imagine them naked...

Eye contact is the most important thing. You've got this!

Stay strong and smile.

Oh no. Thisismytimetoshine that would actually make me feel uncomfortable!

I had a good night's sleep and so did dd luckily.

Interview is in the afternoon. Will let you know how it goes

It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview. The only things you can do are:

• accept that you’re nervous. Remind yourself that the nerves are just a product of adrenaline
• find an outlet for the nervous energy. Take a brisk walk or jump around to your fav song
• write your lines or examples out for you to read before you go in
• set yourself physically. So when waiting for the interview, make sure both feet are touching the floor and concentrate on the feeling of your feet on the floor
• when you get in the room, don’t forget to breath. You’re allowed to pause before answering.
• also make sure you’re comfortable. Move the chair if you need to, make sure you have water to hand and you can put your feet and legs down comfortably (ie not too close to the table).

This is a normal situation to be anxious about. Try not to focus on it too much - you can’t wish the feelings away, you can only accept that they’re there!

When I'm nervous my heart races, this breathing techniques really settles it

Breath in for the count of four
Hold your breath for four
Breathe out for four
Hold for four

It really works. US marines use this technique when they're in stressful situations apparently!

Also ask yourself what's the worse thing that can happen? If you don't get the job at least the interview experience will help you get the next one.

I find if I don't put myself under pressure 'it doesn't matter if I don't get this' rather than 'I must get this' it reframes the situation in my mind.

There's also the 'fake it till you make it approach' - imagine that your a super confident person, how would someone like that approach an interview. Pretend you are them.

Good luck, we're rooting for you!

I know it can be nerve wracking but honestly it's a 2 way process and you are interviewing them too. They are also trying to make a good impression.
And what's the worst that can happen, you just won't get the job, that's it.
Just be yourself and when they ask you a question, don't think about what they want to hear, be honest and say what YOU would say!
Best of luck

Knock ‘em dead, op. We’re all rooting for you

Sending you good luck! I always try and channel my nerves into excitement; this is my opportunity to get what I want! etc etc.

Try and see it that way and you'll be buzzing with excitement rather than nerves. Interviewers LOVE a happy, excited candidate.

Thank you everyone! I've just had the interview! Honestly I think my nerves showed. I just can't seem to control it well. I'm glad it's over. I did the best that I could. There was a 2 part IT test and the lady said that they weren't too sure if they were going to assess on the second part. I hope they don't as it was some excel thing that I've never done before! I tried using the help function to figure how to do it when the lady popped in to check on how I was doing. I told her I was on part 2 and it I was struggling and she ended up showing me how to do it!

I'm not going to know what the outcome is until Fri as they're interviewing throughout the week. They're interviewing 8 people in total. I just want to know now!

God, what’s the point of a test that “might not” form part of their assessment? How strange.

They may have thought the 2nd exercise was too much as the role is a trainee role. The exercise used an advanced feature of excel. I'm ok in excel but this stumped me as it's something very specific that you'd need only if that type of thing was part of your job.

Well done!

Interviews are one of the most stressful things people do; it’s COMPLETELY normal to be anxious.

Thank you! Fingers crossed!

As it was a trainee role, and you accepted help and then managed it OK, I'd think that would go down well. I've interviewed for trainee roles and had some right know-it-alls who didn't get offered the job!

Fingers x for you

^^ That’s a good point. Maybe it was a test to see how you’d cope under pressure, hence the actual task not being “part of the assessment”.

I still haven't heard from them. Doesn't look promising.

Just heard back from them. I didn't get it. They said my I answered well on somw questions but it was that I didn't score as well as the other candidate.

I'm honestly distraught as I really wanted this job. It would have been perfect but I guess you don't know what the future holds and maybe something else will be out there for me.

Hi OP, so sorry to hear you didn't get the job. If it's any consolation I interviewed for a job I really wanted before Christmas and didn't get it (think my nerves showed too and I also have anxiety) - just after Christmas a very similar (in fact slightly better) role came up, which I applied for, interviewed and got! Don't give up - see this one as a trial run and think about what you'd do differently next time, then keep an eye out for new vacancies! Good luck :)