Do you get scared when you are called for an interview? Well, fear is normal if you are a fresher but there many professionals who have cleared hundreds of interviews but the fear of facing the interview still haunts them.
In this blog, we will see how we can eliminate the fear of facing interviews. So this blog is for students who have just passed their graduation, and also for all the professionals who are looking to change their jobs.
But before we directly jump into the elimination of fear, let us see what happens when we are scared of facing interviews.
When you have a fear of facing interviews, several things can happen, impacting you both mentally and physically. You ger nervous, Anxiety increases, the symptoms varies from person to person.
What happens when we are nervous?
- Anxiety and Stress: The anticipation of an interview can trigger anxiety and stress responses. This can manifest as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, or feelings of panic.
- Negative Thought Patterns: Fear can lead to negative thinking, such as self-doubt, worrying about making mistakes, or imagining worst-case scenarios. This negativity can further intensify anxiety.
- Difficulty in Communication: Fear can affect your ability to articulate thoughts clearly or respond effectively to interview questions. It might cause you to stumble over words, forget information, or struggle to express yourself coherently.
- Impaired Performance: Fear can hinder your performance during the interview. It may prevent you from showcasing your true capabilities or presenting yourself in the best light to the interviewer.
- Impact on Confidence: Constant fear of interviews can erode your self-confidence and belief in your skills and qualifications. This can affect your overall approach to job-seeking and hinder your progress.
- Avoidance Behavior: In severe cases, fear of interviews might lead to avoidance behavior, where individuals might avoid applying for jobs or attending interviews altogether to escape the discomfort.
- Physical Symptoms: Beyond mental distress, the fear of interviews can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or even insomnia due to heightened stress levels.
Overall, the fear of facing interviews can significantly impact both your emotional well-being and your ability to perform optimally during the interview process. Addressing and managing this fear through preparation, practice, and confidence-building techniques can help mitigate its effects and improve your interview performance.
We have seen what happens when we are scared, but why is this fear for?
Reason for Interview Fear?
The fear of facing interviews can stem from various factors, including:
- Fear of the Unknown: The uncertainty of what questions will be asked or how the interview will unfold can make people anxious. Lack of control over the situation can contribute to this fear.
- Pressure to Perform: Interviews often come with the pressure to impress the interviewer and prove oneself worthy of the job. This pressure to perform well can lead to anxiety and fear of failure.
- Self-doubt: People may doubt their qualifications, skills, or ability to answer questions effectively. This self-doubt can magnify the fear of not being able to meet the interviewer’s expectations.
- Previous Negative Experiences: Past unsuccessful interviews or rejections can create a fear of repeating the same outcome. Negative experiences can linger in the mind and impact confidence for future interviews.
- Concerns about Judgment:The fear of being judged or evaluated by the interviewer can cause anxiety. Concerns about making mistakes or saying the wrong thing may contribute to this fear.
- High Stakes: The importance of the interview, especially if it’s for a dream job or a significant career opportunity, can intensify fear as individuals feel the weight of the outcome.
- Lack of Preparation: Not being adequately prepared for the interview in terms of knowledge about the company, role, or typical interview questions can lead to increased nervousness.
These fears often arise due to a combination of psychological and situational factors. Addressing these concerns through preparation, practice, and adopting strategies to manage anxiety can significantly reduce the fear associated with facing interviews.
Now, let us dive into the topic for which the blog is for, how to eliminate the fear of facing interviews.
Facing an interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but there are several strategies you can employ to help eliminate the fear and feel more confident:
How to Eliminate the Interview Fear?
- Preparation is Key: Research the company, the role you’re applying for, and common interview questions. Practice your responses to these questions, but don’t memorize them; aim for natural and authentic answers.
- Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or mentors. This helps simulate the actual interview scenario and provides valuable feedback on areas you can improve.
- Positive Visualization: Visualize yourself succeeding in the interview. Imagine yourself confidently answering questions and leaving a positive impression on the interviewer.
- Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques before the interview to calm your nerves. This can help reduce anxiety and keep you focused.
- Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Confidence often comes from knowing your strengths and being able to articulate them.
- Dress Appropriately and Arrive Early: Choose appropriate attire for the interview and aim to arrive at the location early. Being punctual can help ease anxiety related to being late.
- Positive Self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your capabilities and how you’re qualified for the position.
- Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This not only shows your interest but also helps in engaging the conversation and easing your nerves.
- Practice Mindfulness: Stay present during the interview. Focus on actively listening to the interviewer and responding thoughtfully.
- Learn from Each Experience: Regardless of the outcome, view each interview as a learning experience. Reflect on what went well and what you can improve upon for future interviews.
Remember, feeling nervous is normal. It’s about managing those nerves and channeling them into positive energy. With preparation and practice, you can gradually reduce the fear of facing interviews and increase your confidence.
Apart from the above tips, you can also refer few books and some Videos that can help you overcoming the interview fears. Below are some of the books and videos for your reference.
Books on Overcoming the Interview Fear
- “Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell: Specifically targeted at software engineering interviews, this book provides valuable insights into technical interviews and problem-solving strategies.
- “What Color Is Your Parachute? 2023: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success” by Richard N. Bolles: A comprehensive career guide that includes tips on preparing for interviews, understanding different interview formats, and boosting confidence.
- “The Ultimate Job Interview Framework: How to Make Yourself Irresistible in Any Interview” by Find Your Dream Job: Offers a structured approach to preparing for interviews, including advice on answering common questions and strategies to calm nerves.
Videos that can help you in Overcoming Interview Fears
- TED Talks: TED often hosts speakers who discuss overcoming fear, building confidence, and excelling in various aspects of professional life. Search for talks related to confidence-building and overcoming interview anxiety.
- Interview Preparation Courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, or Coursera offer courses specifically designed to prepare individuals for interviews. These courses often include video tutorials, mock interviews, and tips from industry experts.
- YouTube Channels: There are numerous YouTube channels dedicated to interview tips and career advice. Channels like “CareerVidz” or “Big Interview“ provide valuable insights and mock interview sessions to help alleviate fear and improve interview performance.
Remember, while books and videos can provide valuable guidance and strategies, consistent practice, and implementation of these tips are essential to effectively overcome the fear of facing interviews. Experiment with different resources to find the ones that resonate with you and help boost your confidence during interviews.