Anxiety- Really Important Interview

[Ice_Fire]

Well, I suppose the title says it all. I have the biggest interview of my life coming up on December 3rd. It's my candidate interview to hopefully study at Cambridge University.

Basically I had a 'practice' interview this morning with a member of staff at my college and it did not go well at all. Apparently I wasn't relaxed enough! :hilarious::rolleyes: My body language was too defensive, I didn't come across as self-assured and I was watching the door too much. Sound familiar?!

What am I going to do? I have been working on grounding techniques etc but it didn't seem to help. How can I not be hyper-vigilant for half an hour when I'm at my most vulnerable? I mean, I nailed my job interview so I don't know what's changed. Probably the fact that I don't feel as if I have a right to even get the interview.

Can anyone suggest any grounding things? Like, aroma oils or something that I can use to keep focused and calm without fidgeting? Thanks in advance

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Carry something small that has meaning to you.

 

[DharmaGirl]

When I go to interviews, I practice for days saying- I'm interviewing them to see if I want to study there. That way it is under my control and I ask a lot of questions. You are interviewing them also. It helps me more than imagining them naked.

 

[Ice_Fire]

I'm interviewing them to see if I want to study there

Thanks for this, that seems to be a more productive way of looking at it.

 

[Red Feather]

I think going through the thought procsses and anxiety will really help you (like you are already doing). And doing practice runs. That's great. Also... you play guitar right? I would use that as one of your strengths. Like maybe practice the interview with someone like your tutor or a friend while you are playing the guitar. Not only because of how absurd it might make it seem, but also because playing the guiltar probably relaxes you and you could than feel that part of you, and strengthen it that way.

I will be thinking of you!! :D :hug:

 

[olds442]

If you're uncomfortable with eye contact, look at the interviewers eyebrows or forehead, but not in a fleeting manner. Hold your gaze steady for a few seconds so they feel engaged. Do not let your mind wander or get distracted. Practice mindfulness, visualizing a stop sign if you have to.

 

[olds442]

I once helped an ex get into Cambridge for a Child & Adolescent Psych Fellowship. Only after we moved there and obtained a green card did ex's true nature show, so it just goes to show you, relax and live in the present moment coz what's right for you is going to happen anyway!

 

[Meadowsweet]

An interview is an act and this goes for any candidate. It's not about you being judged, it's about the act you put on being judged. So you put your interview suit on, and become the person you want to be.

Thats one technique.

Another is to take a moment to consider what is a significant event in the bigger scheme of things. Next door to life and death, how important is the interviewers decisions. Next to what you've survived in your life, how important is it? It's worth recognising that you'd like the place, but it's not catastrophic if you don't get it. Life will provide more than one option.

Another question to ask yourself is what's the worst that could happen? They are just strangers asking questions. And really that's it.

You go in and you do your best. To get an interview at Cambridge university says that you are a top quality student already.

wishing you confidence to do this :)

 

[olds442]

How did the interview go? Will you find out next month? Please let us know! Happy Holidays and relax for a bit. Pamper yourself with a massage or some other spa treatment.

 

[Ice_Fire]

Hi, went okay I think. However, not sure if I want them, even if they decide they want me! But yes, I shall hear whether I have an offer to either accept or reject early next month. I shall of course let all my forum friends here know! :D

 

[Meadowsweet]

Wow, what a transformation.

It doesn't make any difference if you decide to go or not or if they make an offer or not - what matters is that you got control over all the fears that were getting to you when you first wrote this thread.

That is the best achievement. well done :hug: