job interviews

[Kamma]

I'm looking for any advice. I've recently started looking for a new job and have been for a few interviews (all unsuccessful as you may have guessed). My confidence is building slowly but during the interview process I tend to dry up, blank out, forget to talk myself up etc. If anyone has any tips or tactics to help me in any way I'd be really really grateful.

Looking forward to all replies

[Robert Avila]

Kamma,

As you mentioned your confidence will build. The more interviews you go on the more comfortable you will get and you will know just about all the questions that will come your way.

Looking back I seemed to be offered those jobs that I wasn't trying the hardest to get. The ones I was really after seemed to elude me.

Perhaps it comes down to putting too much pressure on ourselves. When we are extremely concerned with the outcome - we may not be as relaxed and as natural as we could be during the interview.

You have something to offer....remember that and ask some questions about the company you are interviewing with. Make sure they are worthy of you

Good Luck....

Robert

[Keith]

I suggest Toastmasters. They don't directly provide interview training, but I found that I developed a confidence and skill in public speaking that helped me with interviews (and I hadn't been in Toastmasters for long at the time).

[Love]

Great getting out there and doing all those interviews! That's wonderful. Here are my thoughts on making wonderful interviews: rehearse what you're going to say before hand. It could be with someone else, or even with just yourself. There are a series of typical questions to which you'll be asked to respond: a) How have you handled a past challenge? b) What were the strengths and weaknesses of your last boss? c) What do you hope to gain from this position? d) What can you provide this company? etc. etc. You can google interview questions to find more. In each scenario, remember, that you must present yourself as resourceful and forward-minded as possible. You are a solution to their problems, not just interested in an XYZ position. You might even want to write up a list of your accomplishments before doing the interview. And know that company darn well and be prepared to site specifics to that company. Go in there overprepared. I do alum interviews for my rather prominent college, and I am always blown away by prepared candidates that can tell me why they are a match. Know why you are a match.

[Pegasus]

A strategy to stall for time or get more comfortable during an interview is to start interviewing the interviewer. Some questions to ask might be: How long have you worked for this company? What do you most enjoy about working here? What opportunities for advancement would I have in this position? What would a typical day be like for me?

Check out 48 Days .

[RT Wolf]

How to Win Friends and Influence People? Knowledge kills fear, so you might get a few books on interviews, or just read some stuff on the intertubes.

Another thing that might help, ironically, is if you let go of your need to get the job. You might be getting tongue-tied because you might be afraid of saying the wrong thing...and then what's the worst that can happen? You don't get the job. Then, you'll apply to more jobs and get more interviews, so relax, if you don't get this one, you'll get the next one. Imagine what is the worst thing that can happen. Maybe the interviewer stands up and says, "You are the worst applicant I have ever seen! Get out of here, you fraud!" I dunno, use your imagination. Keep going, imagining the worst thing you can, until it gets ridiculous and you just sorta let go of the fear.

HTH.

[bodhiavttas]

Hi Kamma,

I am in the performing arts field and I've had quite a few auditions recently, so I believe you can take something from my experience.

Don't know if this is going to help me in the long run, but I think it did help this last time and I am going to watch for its effects in the future: I started meditating the week before my last audition and I believe it made me less nervous. I remember thinking: "Wow, this meditation stuff really works..." I felt I was in the moment: I was aware of the smell of the room, of the way my body was reacting, of the writing on the piano. I didn't get as far as observing my own voice while answering the panel's questions, but I think I can take it there in the future.

I would recommend you try it. Another thing would be to check your breathing before you go in the interview. I am becoming aware of how I hold my breath in (tightening my stomach) when something difficult is coming up (even an awkward physical gesture, or when making an uncomfortable phone-call). Start noticing it in general, practice breathing deeply beforehand (letting your air all out), and breathe deeply right before your interview (and remember to breathe in your interview!).

As all the other posters suggested, the more interviews you complete, the more comfortable you should feel. I suggest you also take a note of how you prepared the day of the interview (when did you wake up? what clothes did you wear? what physical mindset were you in? what did you eat for breakfast? how did you calm yourself down before the interview? ) and of how it went, and for the next time, take steps to get closer to the mindset/preparation you had on those interviews that went better.

I had a last point to make but I forgot. Not being very mindful I guess.

All the best to you.
Bodhiavttas

[Kamma]

Thanks very much for the advice guys. Haven't heard much on the job front recently but am remaining positive!!!