I need help on how to overcome interview nerves….

[plymouthbloke1974]

Hi all, it’s as per title really….

I’ve just had an email inviting me for an assessment and interview for a new role in my company. It’s my third time applying for the position (there are positions arising every year or so) but the last two times I failed the final interview as I started babbling with the answers to the questions and going off tangent…. It’s all because I worry about failing. It’s a vicious circle….. it took me 10 attempts to get the job I’m in now and I love my current job but this one I’d love more…. I tried to say to myself last week when I applied that I wasn’t going to prepare as much as that got me worked up last time (I am confident I could do the job - it’s just the interview bit), but within minutes of the invite landing in my email I could feel sheer panic in my system. I know I need to stop overthinking things as I am normally calm and collected and professional but interviews literally scare me to death. I’m almost at the point of retracting my application right now… does anyone have any advice?

 

[Magik27]

I’m a massive rambler and struggle to stop even when I’m aware it’s happening. Have you used the STAR method before? I find this really helpful, particularly for behavioural and competency based questions. Really keeps you on track. Good luck!

 

[Warpaint]

Get an inside colleague to give you the low-down on how the interview is. That's the best way. Then you will know what's coming.

 

[plymouthbloke1974]

I’m a massive rambler and struggle to stop even when I’m aware it’s happening. Have you used the STAR method before? I find this really helpful, particularly for behavioural and competency based questions. Really keeps you on track. Good luck!

I’m aware of STAR, it’s just getting the words out in that structure when put on the spot - that’s what throws me then I ramble

Get an inside colleague to give you the low-down on how the interview is. That's the best way. Then you will know what's coming.

Unfortunately this isn’t possible at my place. Good idea though.

 

[Begborrowsteal]

Have you been given feedback on previous interviews?

 

[rlouisep9]

Prepare and practice as much as you can, that's the only thing that really helps me.

I usually write down some answers to standard interview questions (why do you want the role, what can you bring to the position etc) or ones I think may come up related to the role, and think of a few scenarios I can mention for things like "tell us a time where you've multitasked/prioritised a workload..."

Then once I've written something I'm happy with I'll start reading it out loud, tweaking any words as I need to so it flows better then just keep practicing and practicing. Last time I interviewed for a role I really wanted I got my partner and a friend to ask some questions as if there were interviewing so I could also try saying them outloud to someone else too and they could feed back on how I came across.

Nerves are completely normal and interviewers expect that the person is going to be nervous. They have all been there once. In the interview if you feel like you're going off and starting to lose track, just take a breath and have a sip of water before continuing, gives you a few seconds to gather your thoughts

Good luck!

 

[plymouthbloke1974]

Have you been given feedback on previous interviews?

Feedback was mainly that I went off track and started babbling (due to nerves lol)

 

[Compassionately_judging]

Yes, if there is a pause or silence when you finish your answer, do not talk to fill it ! It's a tactic they use to study whether you can maintain focus under pressure. I am a terrible rambler but knowing this gives me a boost of confidence that I'm in control if I don't over answer.

 

[plymouthbloke1974]

That is one of my main failings I think…. Filling the gaps. I’ll be more mindful of that thank you.

 

[Compassionately_judging]

Good luck ! I absolutely detest interviews

 

[bunnyboo]

This might sound like peculiar advice but I actually told my current boss that I struggle with anxiety at the beginning of our interview. I think because I got it off my chest, I didn't feel as scared that I'd be 'caught out' and he was very understanding. He told me one of the reasons I got the position was because of my honesty haha.

I'd take this with a pinch of salt, but sometimes acknowledging your feelings (albeit as 'professionally' as you can manage) can be enough to put you at ease. I say take it with a pinch of salt as some roles would not suit someone who admits to nerves, and I don't know your individual situation.

Best of luck though I believe in you

 

[Tommyb]

One thing that helps me is to use the question in my answer. For example " Describe a situation where you have had to apply good time management" I would answer ' one situation where I have had to apply good time management is...."once I made that point I would say " good time management was especially important in this case because ..." And then " the result of me being able to practice good time management was ... Or " achieving good time management in this situation led me to be able to...

Each time you start to go off track it makes you remember the question and get back to the point.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[Hanna21]

Feedback was mainly that I went off track and started babbling (due to nerves lol)

This is me, I sympathise!
my bro gave me the tip of having an interview a couple of times a year to practice your skills , even if you’re not looking

This is me, I sympathise!
my bro gave me the tip of having an interview a couple of times a year to practice your skills , even if you’re not looking

Sorry I know this isn’t exactly helpful for right now though
All the best

 

[wearedoomed]

I've hosted a few interviews and I can imagine it's intimidating for candidates being asked questions by strangers. I try to keep things as casual as we can. It's not just trying to match skills but looking for a person that you'd be happy to work alongside.

Best way to treat it is like a normal conversation you'd have with someone you just met on the bus! Remove the expectations of failure from your mind and don't worry about whether you'll get the job or not. If you put yourself under pressure then it will stress you out.

Don't be afraid to take notes and refer to them if you're asking questions. This gives you an opportunity to take a break and focus the conversation back on the interviewer.

Best of luck and trust in your skills. Go to the interview and if you get it, great! If not, then it's good practice for the next one.

 

[Notworthy]

Feedback was mainly that I went off track and started babbling (due to nerves lol)

If you find yourself babbling take a moment to regroup. After 2 interviews you should have an idea of what kind of questions are likely to come up so practice the answers using STAR. I have the same problem, always get through to final interview and fluff it

 

[Ohflogoff]

First tip; breathe. Breathe deeply. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. When you stop breathing deeply, not as much oxygen flows to your brain and it’s easier to lose it. Deep breaths will help you regulate your heart rate and in turn your brain will work to process what you’re meant to say. Clear and concise.

Second tip; have faith in yourself and your ability. Treat this like a X factor audition and give it your best shot.

Good luck!

 

[plymouthbloke1974]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and input so far. If anyone else wishes to add then please do so - I’m grateful for any other suggestions. The ones so far have been amazing.

 

[judgejohndeed]

I would actually prepare more. If you start with plenty of time then there's no need for it to panic you. Think of every competency related to the job that you possibly can (if you say what the job is maybe we can help?) and an example for all of them. You've applied for this job a couple of times, were the interviews similar? Did they ask the same questions? If so, prepare those in a lot of detail. If it's a virtual interview you can have some notecards by your screen to jog your memory if you forget and that might calm you down too. I would always advise taking a bottle of water into an interview. When you're asked a question, you don't have to respond that second. Take a few seconds, have a sip of water to buy you some time and think about what you're going to say. A few minutes before any interview I would always tell myself 'being nervous is not an option, if you're nervous you're not going to get this role and you want this role because of XYZ and you can do this role because XYZ'. This one might not work for you but it really did for me. Finally, if you're really really stressed/physically kind of anxious then consider asking your GP for some propranolol and taking one before an interview, it will calm any physical stresses like shaking hands/voice/racing heart etc which makes you feel calmer overall. Good luck, it sounds like you can very much do this!

 

[Notworthy]

Also worth remembering that not getting a job isn't necessarily a reflection on you or your abilities. Interviews now are so prescriptive due to the fear of discrimination that it all comes down to points and it may just be that someone else performed marginally better than you on the day.

 

[plymouthbloke1974]

I would actually prepare more. If you start with plenty of time then there's no need for it to panic you. Think of every competency related to the job that you possibly can (if you say what the job is maybe we can help?) and an example for all of them. You've applied for this job a couple of times, were the interviews similar? Did they ask the same questions? If so, prepare those in a lot of detail. If it's a virtual interview you can have some notecards by your screen to jog your memory if you forget and that might calm you down too. I would always advise taking a bottle of water into an interview. When you're asked a question, you don't have to respond that second. Take a few seconds, have a sip of water to buy you some time and think about what you're going to say. A few minutes before any interview I would always tell myself 'being nervous is not an option, if you're nervous you're not going to get this role and you want this role because of XYZ and you can do this role because XYZ'. This one might not work for you but it really did for me. Finally, if you're really really stressed/physically kind of anxious then consider asking your GP for some propranolol and taking one before an interview, it will calm any physical stresses like shaking hands/voice/racing heart etc which makes you feel calmer overall. Good luck, it sounds like you can very much do this!

Taking propranolol is almost certainly a no-go as the role I’m applying for is safety-critical and everything has to be declared as they will med-screen before appointment. I’d also prefer not to take tablets anyway.

As it happens I managed to find written down some of the questions from last time that I remembered and I’m starting to work a strategy out. I’m going to write the basics of the competency stuff out and then after that arrange it into STAR format, then roll it in glitter.

Thanks everyone so far!