Interview nerves

dayloon · 9 May 2014 at 10:30

Hi All,

On Wednesday i've got a job interview. It's the first interview i've had for the past 4 years. I'm absolutely bricking it. I usually get so nervous my hands start shaking like mad and doing anything like writing becomes almost impossible. I know during the interview there are going to be 3 tests. Verbal, practical and written. The written is of particular concern, i remember one interview a few years back where my hands were shaking so bad i struggled to write my name on a form.

How do other people handle interview nerves ?

Illgresi · 9 May 2014 at 10:40

I'm at uni atm, but have had many interviews in the past. I don't get nervous for exams or interviews, but for some inexplicable reason I always struggle with presentations (I think there's some repressed childhood trauma at work in there), which is odd, because I normally quite enjoy being the centre of attention.

I've found that practice and being fully prepared is the best way to combat nerves. Do you have anyone that can help you simulate an interview environment? Do you have an idea of what the tests are about? If you are prepared, it will help your confidence.

Also, remember you have as much right to be at that interview as everyone else. Good luck!

Zethor · 9 May 2014 at 10:40

Do these issues occur in other circumstances, such as approaching a member of the opposite sex?

tomparker95 · 9 May 2014 at 10:46

Have a few pints before hand

TheyCallMeAndy · 9 May 2014 at 10:54

tomparker95 said:
Have a few pints before hand

-1 Don't do this coming in spelling of Alcohol always a bad sign..

Zethor · 9 May 2014 at 10:59

TheyCallMeAndy said:
-1 Don't do this coming in spelling of Alcohol always a bad sign..

What if he's applying for a job as a Wine Taster?

anything I don't mind · 9 May 2014 at 11:05

Its normal to get a bit nervous, if you weren't nervous a bit then id think you were over confident. No one wants to hire someone who appears to have no confidence. Its just a state of mind, you have to remember to breathe as that will calm you down and just try and focus on the tasks at hand and not think too far a head. One way to do is treat the interview as if you have many interviews lined up and that you are simply considering this job out of a load you have available. This can help your confidence, these sorts of mind tricks, but be careful not to come across as arrogant.

cheesyboy · 9 May 2014 at 11:25

I get nervous in advance, but spend much of the build up getting "in character" such that I walk into the interview pretty much nerveless. It's just like another business meeting - don't build it up too much, and remember that it's a two-way process (you're checking their suitability too).

Get in the mindset that you ARE the right person for the job. You need to be convinced such that you not getting the job will be down to their incompetence not yours (the time for critical introspection is AFTER the interview, not during). And if you can't convince yourself, how do you expect to convince them?

atpbx · 9 May 2014 at 11:27

Try taken some kalms over the weekend and see if they help, if they do, keep taking them up till interview day.

Cosimo · 9 May 2014 at 11:31

Zethor said:
What if he's applying for a job as a Wine Taster?

A bottle or two of wine before....

MrHappy · 9 May 2014 at 11:39

Pretty much what Cheesyboy said.

I would also make sure to have some interesting questions to ask them. Do some research on the company. Look for things about the position you are applying for, the company or the market you will be working in.

I do recall one interview that I did this for. It made me stand out from others when the interview panel told me they did not have the answer to my question and would get back to me before the end of the day with an answer.

Atlas23 · 9 May 2014 at 11:49

Sit there, and in your head, repeat after me:

I am calm and collective.

My facial muscles are relaxed.

AND REPEAT

I am calm and collective.

My facial muscles are relaxed.

Keep doing this. Maybe smile as well to release some endorphins.

Buckeyed · 9 May 2014 at 11:55

If it makes you feel any better, I often interview people to fill for new positions and I get nervous too.

Twirlywoos · 9 May 2014 at 11:55

Just concentrate on the positives and how far you've come to reach the interview stage.

StevieP · 9 May 2014 at 11:57

Best advice is to be prepared and simply take it slow!

Any decent interviewer will understand it's a nervous time and account for it so just take your time and don't try to rush!

The Dread Pirate · 9 May 2014 at 11:59

Make a 5UB random picture face and you'll get the job... because they'll either feel sorry for you or be scared ****less!

Zethor · 9 May 2014 at 12:04

Imagine your interviewer is naked but wear jeans solid enough to hide your 'enthusiasm' if the interviewer is a babe.

MooMoo444 · 9 May 2014 at 12:10

TheyCallMeAndy said:
-1 Don't do this coming in spelling of Alcohol always a bad sign..

Spelling will definitely be impaired if alcohol is involved.

G|mp · 9 May 2014 at 12:10

ThundyTurtle said:
Sit there, and in your head, repeat after me:

I am calm and collective.

My facial muscles are relaxed.

AND REPEAT

I am calm and collective.

My facial muscles are relaxed.

Keep doing this. Maybe smile as well to release some endorphins.

Calm and collected would be better.

OP, just imagine yourself naked and you'll be fine.

ruffneck · 9 May 2014 at 12:12

Remember an interview is a two way thing, its not only for you to sell yourself to the company but the company to you.

Treat it this way and you'll be fine.