Scared? Nervous? All interviewees are!

April 27, 2009

Scared? Nervous? All interviewees are!

Everyone has been in the ‘hot seat’ – from entry level to executives – we’ve all had to interview, and we are all nervous and/or scared.  It’s a natural reaction, so you need to recognize that fact.  So, what can you do about your nerves?  Try some of these tips:

• Recognize that it’s OK to be nervous.  As an interviewer, I expect candidates to be nervous, and part of my job is to put the interviewee at ease.  However, if you recognize and accept that fact that you are nervous, you become more in control of your feelings, and you will feel more confident.
• What’s the worst thing that can happen?   The worst thing that can happen is you don’t get the job.  It can be devastating – if you let it be.  No one wants to be rejected – it can hurt.  It’s a natural human instinct to want acceptance from others.  From my perspective as an interviewer, I absolutely did not like calling applicants to tell them they did not receive the job.  It’s a hard thing to say to someone.  BUT – what can you do about it?  Look at it as a learning opportunity.  It’s OK to ask the interviewer for feedback.  Take this feedback and apply it to your next interview.
• Face the fear.  Take a little time to figure out what it is that is making you scared or nervous.   Write it out and then find a solution to the fear.  Remember, an interview is about you.  Interviewers want to hear about your skills, abilities and knowledge. 

I hope some of these tips will make you start to feel more in control of your emotions and help you move toward confidence in the job interview!

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