Job Interview Coming Up - Stress Levels Rising

[Elphaba]

I have a job interview coming up.
I am normally a good performer once I get to know my environment and how the people work. Once I know my boss' sense of humour, for example, or how to best communicate with the different coworkers, I get things done. But this is the type of people-specific knowledge that will never come through in an interview. In interviews, I turn into this little girl who just finished school and my years of relevant work experience and decision making just vanishes. And in the build up to the interview, I prepare and prepare, but once there my voice trembles as I am way outside my comfort zone.

Any tips from anyone?
This like The Job I Always Wanted. And I have one shot at it. And I feel there is no use in turning up because I really can't see myself perform well at the interview.

 

[KP the nut]

I could have written what you did. Since PTSD my confidence has crashed.

I have applied for a job, which suits my experience and is something which normally I would love to do. However it was bad enough doing the application but doing the interview fills me with nerves bordering on terror.

My only advice would be, slow down, breathe, ask for a glass of water if one is not provided - this can be tricky though as I shake a lot. I am also considering taking a crib sheet in with me. Work out some questions to ask. I pretend it is not real and I am acting a part. Remember coping/grounding techniques and use them. If there is a panel look at each of them as you are answering questions.

Remember everyone is nervous in interviews, we amplify that nervousness.

A friend once told me to imagine the panel naked but that just gave me the giggles.

Believe in yourself and your ability.

Good luck to us both. Fingers crossed
KP

 

[The Albatross]

Self care, be as rested as you can be, be prepared as you can be, and maybe some stress reduction visualizations or mood music.

You're looking them over too. It can be a good point to keep in mind. I'm deciding whether or not I want to even work for them. It levels the playing field.

Good luck and I'm pulling for you to ace this interview!

 

[ptsd chronicles]

I just went through this 3 weeks ago and got the job, so know that you can do it! You've functioned through the not-knowing-my-environment phase already. That's a skill you have already mastered so what if you give yourself credit for that?
I wanted to hurl. This is what I did instead: I figured I knew my work history so after I walked myself through the interview, I stopped studying the day before. Then I watched funny movies to lighten my mood and make me less intense. Love the naked imaging your friend suggested;-). In the interview when I started to feel anxious, I went back to my breath, paid attention to the in and out. That brought me back to the present.
Hope it helps! My experience with people with PTSD is we are smart and are good at reading others. I have faith in you.

 

[Elphaba]

Thank you all, the day is coming awfully close! I am going nuts about simple things now like what to wear, how casual, how smart, is a full on suit too much, what if I just put on a pretty dress, what if I get lost on the way or what if I fall in the mud on my way there, what kind of backup plan do I need...

going off the rails here could be an appropriate description..

Presentation, presentation, presentation. I worry that I won't use my voice enough, that I won't come across as having the qualifications I do have considering that they will probably interview a range of other people too. Then again. I managed to write an application that got me to the interview stage. So I guess that is a good starting point.

 

[Ron]

I hear you. The key is to concentrate on just being yourself. Don't get wrapped up in trying to have a "perfect interview." Be very friendly and try a little humour to break the ice. And one more thing. Believe beyond any doubt that that job is yours and yours alone. Get it done!

 

[curiouser]

I agree with Ron, try not to focus on the negative what if's, focus on having a good interview, visualize getting the job and starting it, get as detailed as you can. Hopefully by focusing and anticipating a positive outcome your fears and nerves can be calmed a little. :)

My other interview tip to you is to try a little bit of "mirroring" during the interview. Mirroring is a NLP technique, NLP stands for Neuro linguistic Programming. This means that you try to subtlety mirror the body language or posture of the person or people interviewing you. Just don't make it over obvious that you're doing this. People naturally mirror each others posture or body language when they are relating well to each other or are in agreement. It can be a nice way to build rapport using a non verbal form of communication that the interviewer will unconsciously pick up on.

 

[Elphaba]

Thanks! After I became aware of mirroring, I have noticed that I react to it when it happens- but I have started to very consciously do something different with my hands instead (it is normally hand movements I notice). Not advice,though.

Ugh... the big day is today. I do not feel prepared anymore, I had an awful, awful dream related to my trauma. Bad timing. Very bad timing!

 

[The Albatross]

Separate your issues, do some relaxation and stress reduction. I'm pulling for you and good luck today Elphaba on your interview (shake it off, breathe, it will be okay).

 

[Elphaba]

Thanks folks!
I think it went ok - with that mean that I answered everything and , ok, I spoke very quickly, that I didn't say anything too stupid. It was only round 1 of 3 (!) so fingers crossed they want me back. Parts of me feel they ought to want it back; not many people have practical experience in my field of work, and I so - so if I didn't want to convey that, I will have performed poorly... I will find out by Wednesday!

 

[Ron]

Awesome!:)

 

[Elphaba]

Didn't get any further in the process. Got a two-line e-mail saying they have chosen to proceed with other candidates. Annoying. I know I am qualified for this job, and yet I clearly didn't manage to come across as someone they would have working at it there.