Interview later, please talk me down

[Just2peasinapod]

Feeling so overwhelmed and anxious. I’ve prepared as much as I can but I get shaky when I’m nervous, I end up not even saying what I’ve prepared and end up rambling and stumbling over all my words. This makes me want to cancel but I do need the interview experience as it’s been a while since I last had one and I like the sound of the job. I’m currently unemployed too as a single parent. Please help!

I do lots of interviews for my job.

It’s absolutely normal to get nervous and most interviewers will know this and put you at ease. No one expects a word perfect answer, I’d rather a nervous normal response than an over confident over rehearsed answer.

If you’ve done the prep, and you need the practice, you might as well go through with it. Otherwise you’ve spent all that time, and worry, and not had any gain. The very worst thing that could happen is that you don’t get the job, which isn’t that bad an outcome given that you wouldn’t get it either if you didn’t do it.

Can you do something to distract yourself in the meantime, perhaps a walk outside or put some music on.

At the end of the interview I would note down any questions you struggled with and next time you can use that info to be better prepared.

best of luck.

I’ve interviewed lots of people and many of them have been visibly very nervous, trembling, looking like rabbits in headlamps, stumbling over words or talking too much.

I NEVER judge people negatively because of this. It makes no difference to whether or not I employ them, provided they answer the questions well and seem like a good fit. So stop worrying about the impression you are giving. Focus on calming your brain down so you can do your best. For me, breathing in slowly for 7 counts and out for 11 makes the world of difference. Do that often in the run up and in the waiting room and you will feel much better.

Goos luck and as the PP says, the worst that can happen is that you don’t get the job. There will be others.