Too nervous to go to interviews ,please help

[whydoesitalwaysrainoe]

I'm 38 and haven't had a job since my last job went into administration a few months ago.
I love working
I love meeting people and once I have the job I'm fine
I just can't get a job because I go to bits in the interviews

I have a interview today for a hotel administrator and I'm terrified
I have done research on hotel,I know the restaurants and how many guest rooms they have,the price of weddings etc
I have wrote down typical questions using the star method BUT
I will get there and forget everything
My hands shake,my voice trembles and I honestly feel like crying.
I can't cope with the pressure
I know I can do the job
I know I would be good at it
I just can't pass interviews because of my stupid anxiety

Can anyone give me advice
My interview is at 2pm this afternoon
I really want this job
It's a 8 min commute and decent money (for the role )
How do I fake it ?

Can you ask doctor for a betablocker or one 5mg diazepam tablet?

If too late for that, grab some rescue remedy.

Propranolol

Look at breathing techniques

Big breaths, you can do this. Get yourself ready and pack your bag. Take your notes, some places allow you to see the questions in advance and prepare.

What do you need them to know about you? Practice your opening line so you know what to say when they ask you to tell a bit about yourself.

Practice smiling now, so your face is relaxed.

You got this!

Op you know you can do the job. You are well prepared.

Interviews can be nerve wracking but you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you, you need to make sure it’s a place you want to work.

They want you to do well, they already like you from your application! Take a deep breath, tell them that you’re feeling a bit nervous and ask them to repeat a question if you need them to. Every person interviewing you has been in your position and felt nervous I promise.

You can do this OP, good luck!

You'll be OK! I have interviewed people in the past. Do not be afraid to bring notes and refer to them - it's never a bad thing. Take a drink of water and slow down, you can control the interview, breathe and have a sip of water after every question is asked. X

Deep breath...speak slowly and think about it as you finding out about them.

If it goes tits up you will likely never see them again.

There are some great useful podcasts for confidence try listening to How to own the room" look for celebs or subjects that interest you.

Sometimes interviews can be fun it's an opportunity to tell someone the good stuff about you ... if the job is for dealing with people smile and treat them just like a new colleague

Good luck

Receiving the questions in advance is becoming the norm in many sectors to even the playing field for everyone. So you could request that and for everyone else to be sent them an hour before their interview too.

Alternatively you could offer to do a work trial.

Might be a bit late for both today but something to try in advance

Can I ask for a opinion here
As it's a hospitality role
I have looked on glass door and one of the questions apparently is "why do you think it's important to give a good impression"

So I'm planning on saying something like
I will be the first point of contact for the guest so it's important to make a good first impression
Something as basic as a smile can make a huge difference to the guests experience
I was also going to mention how not giving a good impression can be costly to a business due to how big social media platforms are these days and how quick a negative opinion can spread
Maybe mention how I always read reviews first and this can change my decision on where I stay etc
Does this sound okay ?
And what can I add or change ?

I'd second a beta-blocker or some Calms or something. Once when my anxiety was horrendous before a big presentation, I had a shot of vodka right before and it calmed me down enough to do really well 🤣

I feel for you, OP, that kind of anxiety it hard to combat. Don't be a afraid of a minute of silence while you think of an answer - it's ok to say "I'm a bit nervous, I'll just take a second to think." And remember, you know you can do the job and would be good at it. Try to remember that in the interview.

Pop into Holland and Barrett and pick these up, brilliant for anxiety.

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/weleda-aconite-30c-tablets-60020491

Good luck.

I honestly found doing the tactic of mentally telling myself I am excited not anxious and the sort of power ranger stance, then some box breathing took the edge off. Saw it on TV one time as a way to 'reappraise anxiety'.

Agree with all of the above re medication (also try some CBD) but I was doing this very subtly up the escalator at the station to my last interview and then more dramatically in the toilet when I got there.

The other thing is to remember, the interviewers really do not care! I liked to think maybe they're very nervous and that my goal was to put them at ease. They know you aren't coming in to do brain surgery, your answers don't need to be perfect, its the general vibe that you will be competent, reliable and someone they feel they want to work with

Yes that sounds perfect.
You can do this.

I interview people all the time OP. Your answer to that question is good.

I don't mind at all if people are a bit nervous..... I get it. I just want to know about you, what your experience is, how you approach things. Be friendly and give your interviewers a big smile when you go into the room. A decent interviewer will try to put you at ease.

You can do this!

Thanks everyone
Feeling a bit better now
I'm trying to pretend I'm confident for the day ha ha
Practicing talking slowly and not stumbling over my words
Wish me luck
Il report after my interview

So I'm planning on saying something like
I will be the first point of contact for the guest so it's important to make a good first impression

You could add that it's important because you are representing the company and its aims/values of blah blah blah. Might seem like stating the obvious, but it can't hurt to refer back to the company's own messaging to show you're aware of it.

Good luck OP - I hope it goes well. Lots of interviewers know that they get the best out of people by making them feel comfortable so try and trust them!
If they are some of the small number of interviewers who are arses then who cares - if they are the type of company who interview like that then they are probably not the type of company you want to work for.

Good luck! If you find yourself getting anxious in the interview don't be afraid to mention it - something like "oh I'm sorry, I'm feeling really nervous - it's because I really want to work here!" Smile when you say that, and try to relax.

One tip I had from a sales guy many years ago is not to sit down in the waiting room before you go in. Stand instead. It means that when they come to greet you you're not juggling bags and things, and you're not lower down, which kind of helps psychologically!

Finally, practice your pitch - about three things that make you great for the role. Say it out loud, repeatedly. Say it in the shower and on your way there. It gives you the chance to start with something you know how to answer, and after that - well they want you to know about you, and you know yourself and your experience best.

I'm sure you'll smash it!

Just go and say it as it is. Listen what, I just need a job, I like this and this about hotels. Imagine you are short, bald man, with a trade, with strong muscular body and is not about your look but the work you are capable of doing.

Honestly, I found that my imagination and my self convincing are mountain moving power.

I was like that in my 20s, now I am entering the room and laughing my heart out with ease. Between jobs I have now just a week. New job within a week.

I've interviewed lots of people (I've also been overcome by nerves when being interviewed myself).

You are prepared, you do know your stuff, try to think positively!

As an interviewer, I can tell you nobody gives text book answers. Many waffle or forget bits, and tell us they are nervous. Don't be afraid to be yourself. If you forget something you wanted to say, say it at the end. In my job we choose people who obviously are capable of the job but beyond that it is who we relate to the most, who would fit in with the team, who has the best type of experience compared to what we need. And also who seems to want to work with us - enthusiasm counts for a lot.

Good luck!

I think being honest about your nerves will help settle them. Tell the interviewer you are really excited about the job and because of that you are a bit jittery. They are (hopefully!) human and will want to put you at ease. Good luck!!

I’m an ex hotelier.

Why is it important to give a good first impression?

People work and save hard for their breaks/ holidays. It’s often a special occasion. They look forward to it all year. When they arrive a great first impression gives them the validation, that yes, we picked the right place. We are going to have a good time, we can relax, the hotel is going to take care of me.

A good impression is the way you look, how you greet someone, eye contact, professionalism, efficiency and the welcome.

Also, for future reference, ask your GP for some propranolol. Put a couple in your purse. They stop your heart racing and as such give you the confidence to do things e.g. interviews, presentations and the like, knowing that you are not going to panic.

It’s not a problem to be nervous, make up for it with enthusiasm.

I once interviewed someone for a manager role and he was so nervous he literally didn’t stop talking for one whole hour. The HR Director said well he’s a no. I disagreed and said I’d meet with him again 1:1 as I could see it was nerves and he’d be good.
i did and I explained to him that as an interviewer I’ve had some real stinkers of performance on my part! We just chatted and everything was fine. I gave him the job.

the moral of the tale is- interviewers also get nervous, They go in wanting to like you. You sound so prepared. You’ve got this. They NEED you. That’s why they are interviewing you. Good luck!! Let us know how you get on. 🙌