7 answers
Michael
Student
McHenry, Illinois
1
Question
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How did you get over your nerves during interviews? If you didn't get over it, what tips would you give to manage them??
How did you get over your nerves during interviews? If you didn't get over it, what tips would you give to manage them? #Spring25
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7 answers
Kristina Kruskol
Pharmacist
9
Answers
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Feeling nervous means the situation is important to you. Embrace those nerves and take action with these steps:
1. **Prepare Thoroughly:** Review the job description and identify the key skills and behaviors it highlights. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write down examples that show you have these skills. Also, prepare questions to ask the interviewer. If possible, practice with mock interviews.
2. **Calm Yourself Before the Interview:** Spend 20-30 minutes doing something relaxing, like listening to music, meditating, reading, taking a walk, or engaging in positive self-talk.
3. **Practice Breathing Exercises:** Right before the interview, try a simple breathing exercise: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds.
4. **Learn from Each Interview:** Reflect on each experience to improve for next time.
**My Personal Preparation Routine:**
1. Review my notes, focusing on key situations, results, and questions for the interviewer.
2. Listen to my favorite pre-interview playlist.
3. Do a quick one-to-two-minute breathing exercise.
4. Remind myself of my strengths and why I am a great fit for the job.
Discover what works best for you, and good luck!
1. **Prepare Thoroughly:** Review the job description and identify the key skills and behaviors it highlights. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write down examples that show you have these skills. Also, prepare questions to ask the interviewer. If possible, practice with mock interviews.
2. **Calm Yourself Before the Interview:** Spend 20-30 minutes doing something relaxing, like listening to music, meditating, reading, taking a walk, or engaging in positive self-talk.
3. **Practice Breathing Exercises:** Right before the interview, try a simple breathing exercise: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds.
4. **Learn from Each Interview:** Reflect on each experience to improve for next time.
**My Personal Preparation Routine:**
1. Review my notes, focusing on key situations, results, and questions for the interviewer.
2. Listen to my favorite pre-interview playlist.
3. Do a quick one-to-two-minute breathing exercise.
4. Remind myself of my strengths and why I am a great fit for the job.
Discover what works best for you, and good luck!
Rhoda C
Graphic Designer
9
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rhoda’s Answer
Hi Michael,
The worst thing that can happen is not getting the job. The important part is being able to handle rejection. What are you most afraid of during an interview? Are you worried about saying the wrong thing? Are you concerned they might not like you? What is your biggest fear when it comes to interviews?
It is important to reflect on these questions. When you dig deep into why you feel nervous and what scares you the most, you may find a better way to reduce your anxiety before an interview.
I believe you are already well-prepared, so I’m not worried about that. Everyone gets nervous before their interview, sometimes they even feel frustrated afterward, worrying about what they might have said wrong. The only real solution is to interview more, and get used to the situation.
Or you can try this:
Go to LinkedIn—they offer lessons to support people preparing for interviews.
Write down questions that you think they might ask.
Ask a friend or family member to practice with you and record the session.
Listen to the recording and refine your answers.
Sometimes, if you subscribe to LinkedIn’s services, you can request a practice interview with someone.
However, even after doing all this, you might still feel nervous. So ask yourself: Why do you get nervous? The worst-case scenario is not getting the job, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there. If this company is your dream employer and you don’t get the job this time, just move on to the next one. When you’ve gained more experience, you can reapply to the company again.
The worst thing that can happen is not getting the job. The important part is being able to handle rejection. What are you most afraid of during an interview? Are you worried about saying the wrong thing? Are you concerned they might not like you? What is your biggest fear when it comes to interviews?
It is important to reflect on these questions. When you dig deep into why you feel nervous and what scares you the most, you may find a better way to reduce your anxiety before an interview.
I believe you are already well-prepared, so I’m not worried about that. Everyone gets nervous before their interview, sometimes they even feel frustrated afterward, worrying about what they might have said wrong. The only real solution is to interview more, and get used to the situation.
Or you can try this:
Go to LinkedIn—they offer lessons to support people preparing for interviews.
Write down questions that you think they might ask.
Ask a friend or family member to practice with you and record the session.
Listen to the recording and refine your answers.
Sometimes, if you subscribe to LinkedIn’s services, you can request a practice interview with someone.
However, even after doing all this, you might still feel nervous. So ask yourself: Why do you get nervous? The worst-case scenario is not getting the job, but there are still plenty of opportunities out there. If this company is your dream employer and you don’t get the job this time, just move on to the next one. When you’ve gained more experience, you can reapply to the company again.
Hi Rhoda! Do you have any tips you can recommend to Micharl for managing nerves?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Samantha Brumer
UX Researcher
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Interviews can be both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking, but they are a wonderful opportunity to shine! Preparing for the role you want is key. This means doing some research on the company, understanding their values, checking reviews on Glassdoor, and having examples ready that match the job description. Remember to also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer.
A great way to answer questions is by using the STAR METHOD:
- **Situation**: Briefly set the scene and provide some background.
- **Task**: Explain your responsibility and the goal in that situation.
- **Action**: Describe the steps you took to tackle the task.
- **Result**: Share the outcome, focusing on the positive results or lessons learned.
I find it helpful to practice answering questions using this method and to think of past experiences that relate to the role. Doing mock interviews with friends or family can also be a great way to build confidence and refine your answers. Being well-prepared helps ease nerves and makes you feel more ready.
The night before, ensure you get a good night's sleep, drink plenty of water, and enjoy a little chocolate in the morning for a tasty energy boost. Remember, during the interview, you’re also evaluating the company. Don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify questions if needed. Take notes, and think of the interview as just a conversation. Regardless of the outcome, every interview is a chance to learn and grow. You've got this!
A great way to answer questions is by using the STAR METHOD:
- **Situation**: Briefly set the scene and provide some background.
- **Task**: Explain your responsibility and the goal in that situation.
- **Action**: Describe the steps you took to tackle the task.
- **Result**: Share the outcome, focusing on the positive results or lessons learned.
I find it helpful to practice answering questions using this method and to think of past experiences that relate to the role. Doing mock interviews with friends or family can also be a great way to build confidence and refine your answers. Being well-prepared helps ease nerves and makes you feel more ready.
The night before, ensure you get a good night's sleep, drink plenty of water, and enjoy a little chocolate in the morning for a tasty energy boost. Remember, during the interview, you’re also evaluating the company. Don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify questions if needed. Take notes, and think of the interview as just a conversation. Regardless of the outcome, every interview is a chance to learn and grow. You've got this!
Hilary Toole
Contract Management
7
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
Hi, Michael: Many, many people get nervous prior to and during an interview - so you are not alone. The best way to get to manage the nerves is to be prepared for the interview - research the company, know the job requirements and just remember -- they want to interview you, so they see something in you that makes you a good fit for the job.
Arrive (if in person) to the interview 10-15 minutes early- then you can sit and acclimate to the environment. Take deep breaths and slowly exhale them a few times. Visualize something that makes you feel confident or happy in your head while you breathe. Do the same if the interview is online - prepare your interview area and just sit for a bit. The people who are interviewing you are there for you - smile and it is OK to be nervous (it shows you care).
Sometimes it also helps about two hours before an interview to take a walk and stop thinking about the interview - listen to some music or a podcast or just look around. Being outside and walking can help center you and burn away nerves.
If you have someone you know who has been through interviews and has jobs they like, as them to do a couple of "mock interviews" with you, where they interview you. That can help you gain confidence.
When you start the interview, smile and make eye contact. It may not make you less nervous, but it will help you focus. My mom always used to say to me before a big test or interview "Remember, you are the prize" ...... I think that helps a little bit. Good luck! Hilary
Arrive (if in person) to the interview 10-15 minutes early- then you can sit and acclimate to the environment. Take deep breaths and slowly exhale them a few times. Visualize something that makes you feel confident or happy in your head while you breathe. Do the same if the interview is online - prepare your interview area and just sit for a bit. The people who are interviewing you are there for you - smile and it is OK to be nervous (it shows you care).
Sometimes it also helps about two hours before an interview to take a walk and stop thinking about the interview - listen to some music or a podcast or just look around. Being outside and walking can help center you and burn away nerves.
If you have someone you know who has been through interviews and has jobs they like, as them to do a couple of "mock interviews" with you, where they interview you. That can help you gain confidence.
When you start the interview, smile and make eye contact. It may not make you less nervous, but it will help you focus. My mom always used to say to me before a big test or interview "Remember, you are the prize" ...... I think that helps a little bit. Good luck! Hilary
Amit Tripathi
Talent Acquisition
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Nerves comes in control eventually after you have given couple of interviews and you kind off get accustomed to the questioning and answering. You know how the interview is going to be and you become mentally prepared. But there are couple of things you can do to control it during the interview.
1. Be prepared- If you are prepared for the interview, you will confident and that helps in being very calm and focussed in the interview.
2. Deep breathing- Take 3-4 deep breathes before you enter the interview room/ join the interview call. It calms your nerves.
3. Meditate- Assuming you are attending interviews regularly, make it a habit to meditate in the morning during the interview season. This keeps you fresh and calm.
4. Get to know the interviewer- If possible, try to have a casual talk with the interviewers and get to know them before the actual discussion starts. This gives you a friendly vibe and helps you relax and speak to the interviewer confidently since you have broken the ice.
5. Not the last interview- Always keep in mind that this interview is not the end of the world for you. If it doesn't close, there will be other interviews. This releases the pressure of performance.
Hope these points helps you with the interviews. Good luck.
1. Be prepared- If you are prepared for the interview, you will confident and that helps in being very calm and focussed in the interview.
2. Deep breathing- Take 3-4 deep breathes before you enter the interview room/ join the interview call. It calms your nerves.
3. Meditate- Assuming you are attending interviews regularly, make it a habit to meditate in the morning during the interview season. This keeps you fresh and calm.
4. Get to know the interviewer- If possible, try to have a casual talk with the interviewers and get to know them before the actual discussion starts. This gives you a friendly vibe and helps you relax and speak to the interviewer confidently since you have broken the ice.
5. Not the last interview- Always keep in mind that this interview is not the end of the world for you. If it doesn't close, there will be other interviews. This releases the pressure of performance.
Hope these points helps you with the interviews. Good luck.
Rithika Aluvala
Student
16
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
Rithika’s Answer
Deep breathing has really helped me, even though it might seem silly. Before my interviews, I take deep breaths and remind myself that the interviewers are just regular people. They have families and hobbies, and they started at the bottom too, working their way up. This thought makes me see them as human and not intimidating. They're just doing their job, not trying to make things hard for me. It's comforting to know that they are successful, and one day, I could be in their shoes too. This mindset puts me in a much better place before an interview.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1784
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Aside from being prepared, getting enough sleep, and being well-hydrated, I find that a light meal is best. Nothing heavy in the tummy! I find that stress in the tummy is not a good thing!
I have learned that the success, or failure, of the interview sometimes depends on the person conducting it. Some have little or no experience conducting interviews, and, honestly, are just as nervous as you. It's critical to remember that each interview stands alone. One bad interview doesn't mean the next one will be bad. Even 2 bad ones in a row doesn't mean it either! However, that being said, try to do some mock interviews. Or, even interview for jobs you don't necessarily want, just to get some practice.
You are going to be stressed. Accept it. You want the job! I have interviewed for jobs I didn't care if I got or not, and found there was no stress!
Anyway, once you start talking, if you "click" with the interviewer, the stress should fall by the wayside. I encourage you to try different things at different interviews. For example, I once had an interview that started with a quick evaluation of whether I could do the lifting required for the job. I had to lift a box of copier paper off the floor. As I was doing it, I blurted out, "this doesn't wiggle nearly as much as my dog!" it just sort of happened. This was in front of a review board of about 5 people. I felt really stupid. But, it was an instant connection! I nailed the interview.
The more interviews you do, the more comfortable you'll become. The more familiar you are with your own personal life experiences and telling them to others, the more confident you will become. But, at least for me, the stress still hasn't gone away. You just learn to accept it and realize that once the interview is underway it will fade away.
Remember, be confident, and smile!
I have learned that the success, or failure, of the interview sometimes depends on the person conducting it. Some have little or no experience conducting interviews, and, honestly, are just as nervous as you. It's critical to remember that each interview stands alone. One bad interview doesn't mean the next one will be bad. Even 2 bad ones in a row doesn't mean it either! However, that being said, try to do some mock interviews. Or, even interview for jobs you don't necessarily want, just to get some practice.
You are going to be stressed. Accept it. You want the job! I have interviewed for jobs I didn't care if I got or not, and found there was no stress!
Anyway, once you start talking, if you "click" with the interviewer, the stress should fall by the wayside. I encourage you to try different things at different interviews. For example, I once had an interview that started with a quick evaluation of whether I could do the lifting required for the job. I had to lift a box of copier paper off the floor. As I was doing it, I blurted out, "this doesn't wiggle nearly as much as my dog!" it just sort of happened. This was in front of a review board of about 5 people. I felt really stupid. But, it was an instant connection! I nailed the interview.
The more interviews you do, the more comfortable you'll become. The more familiar you are with your own personal life experiences and telling them to others, the more confident you will become. But, at least for me, the stress still hasn't gone away. You just learn to accept it and realize that once the interview is underway it will fade away.
Remember, be confident, and smile!