19 Important Tips To Follow If You Are Scared Of Interviews

It is quite normal for people to feel nervous about or scared of interviews. The thought of participating in an interview and convincing the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job can cause feelings of anxiety, but there are ways to receive these thoughts. The best way to feel confident and overcome this feeling of nervousness is to prepare yourself for the interview. In this article, we explore the reasons people feel scared of interviews and give you some strategies for overcoming interview anxiety.

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Reasons People May Feel Scared Of Interviews

There are many reasons for jobseekers to feel scared of interviews. Here are a few reasons you may feel scared of going for an interview:

Feelings of uncertainty

Some people are scared of participating in an interview because they are not sure what to expect from the hiring manager and what types of questions to expect. Preparing thoroughly for the interview can ease these fears. Talk to your friends who already faced similar situations and learn from their experiences. You can also research to find common questions a hiring manager may ask for the job you have applied for and you may practice answering the questions with confidence.

Lack of experience

Freshers and those new to the field might worry about not having enough experience, which can make them scared of participating in the interviews. In such cases, it is important to remember that the recruiters review the profiles of all candidates before the interview process and require them in the company. Freshers bring a new perspective and different ideas into a company within any field, and hiring managers value that confidence and eagerness to work. Remembering that you have what the recruiters are looking for can help you increase your confidence about the interview.

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Fear of rejection

Fear of getting rejected by the hiring manager is another reason ‌people may fear interviews. Thorough preparation for the interview and positive thinking may help you remove this fear. Try to remind yourself of your passion, accomplishments and expertise so that you can focus on them during the interview and go through what excites you about this employment opportunity.

Tips For Overcoming Interview Anxiety

Here are some tips that can help you overcome the fear of interviews and help you clear the interview with confidence:

Prepare yourself

To do well in the interview, it is important to prepare thoroughly for the interview. Make sure that you have a well-prepared and updated resume. You can also consider preparing what you are going to wear and how you are going to get to the interview the day before. This gives you more time to prepare and relax before the meeting.

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Do some light exercise

Light exercises can help you keep a fresh mind for the interview. The interview process may also sometimes be long and require you to stay on the interview site for a few hours. In such cases, light stretches can help you relax your body.

Make notes

While preparing for the interview, make notes of all your personal and professional achievements that you want to share with the hiring manager. Review the job description before the interview and acquaint yourself with the role criteria. This may help you in building your confidence and overcome any negative thoughts you may be having.

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Talk to your friends or family members

Talking to your friends and family members before the interview can also calm your fear of the interview. You can talk to your friends or family members freely and tell them how nervous you are before the interview. Their words of encouragement can help you feel confident.

Listen to music

Listening to music can have a calming effect. Certain genres of music, such as peaceful classical music, can have a beneficial impact on your physiological functioning. Listen to the music of your choice before the interview so that you meet the hiring manager with a calm mind.

Get proper rest

Make sure that you are getting a full night's sleep a few days before the interview. Getting sufficient sleep relaxes the mind and body. This can help you focus during your interview with the hiring manager.

Reduce stressors

Try to stay away from anything that might make you feel stressed. You may also plan your route to the interview ahead of time and depart early in case there are any unforeseen traffic. Make sure that you reach the interview location a few minutes early so that you can have enough time to relax and gather your thoughts before the discussion.

Learn about the company

Being adequately prepared about the organisation might help you feel less anxious about the interview. Learn more about the organisation and review common interview questions so you can prepare your responses ahead of time. This can enable you to respond confidently and convey your qualifications accurately to the interviewer.

Ask the interviewer any question you may have

It is usual for interviewers to ask whether you have any questions for them at the end of the conversation. This is your chance to assess a potential employer and decide whether you want to work for them. Consider asking questions that show your professional goal and help you understand how the organisation may assist you in achieving your professional objectives.

Take your time

You can take your time when answering questions during an interview. Critical thinking can assist you in providing authentic responses that satisfy you. Keep taking notes during the interview and remember that the interviewers appreciate you taking time to collect your thoughts and consider your response before replying.

Stay organised

Being organised, structured and well prepared helps lessen your interview anxieties. A well-organised candidate often has an advantage during an interview. Here are some essential interview things to bring to an interview that can help you stay organised:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• References

• Business cards

• Certifications

• Licenses

• Notepad and pens

Congratulate yourself

Congratulate yourself on your achievements so far and make sure you are learning from each step of the interview process. Any experience you get throughout the interview can assist you in preparing for the next one. Take a note of what went well and what you can improve upon. This may help you view the interview as an opportunity for growth.

Practice answering possible interview questions

Even if you have researched the most popular interview questions for the position you are going for, consider teaming up with a trusted friend or colleague who can help you practice answering questions and offer feedback on your replies. Answering questions can help you collect your thoughts for each question and can help you feel more confident. Examining questions that the interviewer may ask can also help you prepare your talking points for the interview.

Familiarise yourself with the job you are pursuing

It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the job description before attending an interview. Learning about the company's requirements can help you prepare for the interview and persuade the employer that you are the ideal candidate for the job. You can go through the job description and also read recent news about the company.

Focus on your goals

Focusing on your goals before the interview can keep you calm and composed. Spend some time and reflect on what your goals are for the interview. Try to remind yourself that getting the job is not the only goal, you also want to learn from the interview and improve yourself. When you attend the interview with this mindset, you may not feel as nervous.

Memorise your resume

Make sure you remember everything on your resume so you can confidently share your professional experience. Consider the best methods to describe your experience in order to match what is on your resume. Show the hiring manager how your abilities mentioned in the resume can help you in contributing to the growth of the organisation.