Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post - Help! I was too nervous during my interview

OliverR · 02-22-2009, 08:21 AM

Hey guys,

I was called for an interview in downtown LA in one of the big white buildings at a medium sized company. I'm extremely confident in my experience in finance. I recently graduated with a finance degree with over 2.5 yrs of experience doing sales, underwriting, tax analysis, and accounts payable, which is rare for a recent grad to have.

I showed up 15 min. early and I was so nervous. I was reciting what I should say the night before. I was so excited because I had the potential to be hired. Which meant I would begin to earn a true living in the real world. That meant I could live on my own, buy a few more things like a T.V. or laptop, and maybe a new car. When the interviewer closed the door, I choked.

I kept thinking too much. I was focused on trying to impress them. I have been searching for a position since December 2008, and after 2 1/2 months, I get a call. The job market was so hard that I thought: "I better not mess this up, because if i do, I'll have to wait longer for the next opportunity."

I was so focused on trying to say the "right words" that I wasn't able to truly speak from the heart. The interviewer was so nice and laid back. He saw right through me and said, "I can tell this is the 'filtered-you'. I'm pretty sure you are different in real life, but there's more to you." I was so glad he saw through my nervousness, and he said "I like where your coming from and what I see." He said this twice. He told me to try and relax next time. As he walked me to the elevator to see me out I asked what the next step was after this interview. He told me there is usually another interview or maybe two at the most and then they would pick the right candidate. As the elevator came he said that he was pretty sure I might be seen for a second interview.

So guys, I was overly excited and anxious that I might get a job, earn a decent income, and beat this recession. I have some family issues at my house, and to move out and start on my own would make me extremely happy. I wanted the job so bad, and I felt like this was the only chance I had or else I wouldn't be called to interview for another year.

I already sent a thank you letter, and since he was down to earth with me, I spoke in a down-to-earth tone with him while still being able to keep it professional.

What should I do next? Do you think I may really get the second interview? I'm going to continue to keep applying to other places, but I really want this job. What should I do to make sure things go well next time? I believe that I shouldn't prepare at all, because no script means I will be talking from the heart. Any suggestions?

02-22-2009, 08:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
OliverR Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3	Help! I was too nervous during my interview Hey guys, I was called for an interview in downtown LA in one of the big white buildings at a medium sized company. I'm extremely confident in my experience in finance. I recently graduated with a finance degree with over 2.5 yrs of experience doing sales, underwriting, tax analysis, and accounts payable, which is rare for a recent grad to have. I showed up 15 min. early and I was so nervous. I was reciting what I should say the night before. I was so excited because I had the potential to be hired. Which meant I would begin to earn a true living in the real world. That meant I could live on my own, buy a few more things like a T.V. or laptop, and maybe a new car. When the interviewer closed the door, I choked. I kept thinking too much. I was focused on trying to impress them. I have been searching for a position since December 2008, and after 2 1/2 months, I get a call. The job market was so hard that I thought: "I better not mess this up, because if i do, I'll have to wait longer for the next opportunity." I was so focused on trying to say the "right words" that I wasn't able to truly speak from the heart. The interviewer was so nice and laid back. He saw right through me and said, "I can tell this is the 'filtered-you'. I'm pretty sure you are different in real life, but there's more to you." I was so glad he saw through my nervousness, and he said "I like where your coming from and what I see." He said this twice. He told me to try and relax next time. As he walked me to the elevator to see me out I asked what the next step was after this interview. He told me there is usually another interview or maybe two at the most and then they would pick the right candidate. As the elevator came he said that he was pretty sure I might be seen for a second interview. So guys, I was overly excited and anxious that I might get a job, earn a decent income, and beat this recession. I have some family issues at my house, and to move out and start on my own would make me extremely happy. I wanted the job so bad, and I felt like this was the only chance I had or else I wouldn't be called to interview for another year. I already sent a thank you letter, and since he was down to earth with me, I spoke in a down-to-earth tone with him while still being able to keep it professional. What should I do next? Do you think I may really get the second interview? I'm going to continue to keep applying to other places, but I really want this job. What should I do to make sure things go well next time? I believe that I shouldn't prepare at all, because no script means I will be talking from the heart. Any suggestions?