Getting Over Interview Jitters
Michael waits in the lobby for his interview. His hands are sticky and wet, his heart is beating faster than
usual and his mouth feels like cotton. The interviewer approaches, and Michael has to wipe his hand on his
pant leg before shaking hands.
This is a familiar scenario in company lobbies throughout the world. The job interview can be very stressful
for most people. Since one of our top fears is rejection and one of our top needs is acceptance, it is not
surprising that interviews make people sweat.
A Change in Thinking
The first and most important step in overcoming the fear is to put the interview in perspective. This is not an
appointment with the dentist, who may inflict pain. It is a conversation with another person. The worst thing
that can happen is you won't get the job, which may not have been the right job for you anyway.
Second, think of this conversation as a two-way process. You are interviewing potential employers as much as
they are interviewing you. Is there a good fit here? What looks good on paper may not be what it appears for
either party. Investigate whether this company is a good place for you and whether you want to invest a
significant part of your life here.
Calming Techniques
One of the best techniques to handle stress is through breathing. Take deliberate shallow breaths. Take air in
through the nostrils and exhale, quietly, through the mouth. This technique should be practiced to relax before
the interview.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation classes are effective in overcoming extreme cases of
interview fright. The interview can cause panic attacks if the fear is strong enough. Preconditioning will do
wonders for this type of anxiety.
Prepare Before the Interview
Michael has been to six interviews in the past two months. He has been runner-up for a couple of the jobs but
has received no solid offers.
These are competitive times, and rejection can be expected. Competition for jobs is much keener than it was a
year ago. It is important, however, to do everything possible to sell yourself by preparing for the interview.
Start thinking of yourself as a product and presenting what you have to offer the company.
Can you imagine giving a performance without some practice and preparation? Winging the interview in
today's market is a big mistake. Preparation will make you feel more confident and less anxious.