Have an interview on Tuesday - how do I deal with nerves?

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

I have an interview for a part-time job on Tuesday that on paper looks perfect.

I've had a couple of interviews in the last year, and have always been the runner-up, feedback has been good, but there was always a better/more experienced candidate.

I used to be good at this stuff, I used to be able to write presentations and prepare for interviews without turning a hair, but now I'm struggling :(

Can anyone give me any tips, or maybe a kick up the backside and tell me to stop faffing?

I am quite good at interviews (so modest! ) and always remember the advice my DMum gave me - if they like you, they'll take you. If you meet the criteria on paper re: qualifications, all they're really looking for at interview is to see what your personality is like and whether they would want to work with you and whether you will fit in. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed the interviewer(s) will be, and the more comfortable the interview will feel to them (and you). Then when they're making their decision, they will remember that they felt comfortable talking to you and will conclude that clients/customers/colleagues will feel the same about you and you're a safe bet.

Has mostly worked for me anyway! You know the score, big smile when you go in, be yourself and try not to sound 'rehearsed' when you're answering questions. Show an interest in the job, try to make it a 2-way conversation if you can.

Thanks for replying emsy, I'm sure I'm overthinking some of this. Your DM gives good advice

Good luck tomorrow. Remember being shortlisted for an interview is an achievement in itself, so try not to be too nervous.

I concur with Emsy. Try to be warm and smile. Not Cheshire cat grins obviously or they may think you're a bit unhinged

A basic thing to deal with nerves is to sit up and ensure both feet are on the ground. You must have what they need on paper so it's a case of convincing them enthusiasm is as important as experience.

Good luck

I've been in interview panels a few time lately in my job- advice as someone's already put- smile! Keep eye contact, take your time- don't rush through your answers and be enthusiastic about the job show the interviewer that you really want the job- always have a question ready in case they ask you at the end. Good luck OP :)

Try and remember that it is your chance to interview them. The job looks perfect on paper but what would the reality be. Certainly takes away some of the interviewers power which should make you feel more relaxed.

I've sat on interview panels and we do take nerves into account. Prepare well, know some background info about the company because that shows you have researched and planned. Don't worry if nerves get the better of you and you have to ask them to repeat the question, it's better to ask them to repeat it and then answer it properly.
Try to relax, show then that you're friendly, approachable and professional.
Good luck.

Imagine the interviewer on:

1. A toilet doing a poo
2. Naked
3. Breathe
4. Be yourself.
5. Interviewers at times are as nervous as you are.

Good luck.

Thanks you lot :)

Am spending the morning preparing for my interview by letting the kids watch ceebeebies all morning - they think it's Christmas!

Also am dropping them off a little earlier than I need to this afternoon so I can have a little time to myself (a mate is babysitting)

I'll report back later...

Good luck Cowgirl

Hope it went well.

I had an interview today...and got the job. SO excited. I was amazed at how relaxed I was able to seem as i was a bundle of nerves.

alittlebitshy congratulations xx

Congratulations alittlebitshy

I think things went ok today, was interviewed by 2 of the management committee (voluntary sector) who seemed really nice. They are seeing 5 people in total so think it comes down to who else they're interviewing.

Should know in a couple of days...

That is good news - thinking it went ok is always positive.
I would say don;t over think it now. I drove myself bananas this afternoon thinking about what I had said and not said etc.....
Will be thinking of you.

I got a job today too!! It was my fifth interview in the last six months. Like you was getting lots of positive feedback but was always coming second. Now just need to sort the Childcare!!

Excellent Wips DH keeps telling me that even getting shortlisted for interview is good in current climate.

alittlebitshy Luckily I had a meeting this evening for a voluntary thing I do so have spent last hour or so discussing paint colours for our community centre. Kept my mind off things.

I may crack open the gin in a bit ;-)

Update - didn't get it

V sorry Rhinestone.
Ask them for feedback. My dh always does this (and was encouraging me to should it be required). That way you might get a glimpse of why you didn't get it - plus it is helpful anyway...

I did ask for feedback but the person who phoned wasn't on the panel.

She said that the panel said I was very well-researched but didn't have a enough grasp of their work for a 6 month post.

From that, I think that I misjudged what they were looking for a bit.

oh sorry to hear that rc
onwards and upwards, you'll get the job for you - know how you feel, I've had a summer of this