Any good advice on handling severe anxiety on job interviews?
412454
What an excellent and honestly fowarded question of which I maybe able to offer some advice. Your social anxiety places you in a difficult position...since during most interviews we ALL feel like we are being GRILLED by the world. Your situation is even more interesting due to the fact that you are feeling that way all the time...correct? So take or leave the following advice.\n1. The anxiety you are feeling is common to us all and it is inherent that we ALL are nervous during interviews.\n2. You will have overcome and defeated your stress when you believe in yourself enough to foster the courage to even go to the appointment.ACCEPT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE GOING ON THIS INTERVIEW.\n3. The key to interviewing is that you take control of the interview. I went to a workshop on interviewing once and this really works.  You are competent...and you are qualified....and thats your only job inside that interview...BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND MAKE THEM WANT TO HIRE YOU.No worries ...no stress...theres nothing to lose...unless you don't go. I think from just reading your question....YOU WILL GET THIS JOB!!! I will pray for you...
501090
There is not actual thing u can do to be "quick".  Just try to relax because if u are nervous it will show and it is likely you will forget things you know or ask questions or give answers u wouldnt normally give.\n\nGo over some practise interview questions with your family or friends, it may seem silly but it really helps because u have an idea of what its like to be put on the spot with a question.  Get as many people as u can to ask u different interview type questions as much as u think u need them. U will be suprised at how much difference it makes when u actually get into the interview.  \n\nAnd because u may have rehearsed some questions, they will come to mind much quicker in the interview (if they ask u a similar question) and u will appear to be quite sharp minded.  \n\nJust remember to relax and breathe and try and be yourself, sometimes nerves help, but try to go over a list of things u think will be relevent  so they are clear in your mind before you go into the interview.  And remember to Be yourself.  You want them to see who you are (because they are gonna see it in the job anyway) so try and show a bit of your character to them.  \nHope this helps and goodluck!
497717
Face it head on. Try to drill down specifically what you're worried about, visualize the best and worse case scenarios, and aim for the best. Good Luck!
587403
Just relax and realize that if you can't get over being so nervous, how are you going to get to know that person? Oh, and remember to breathe...focus in on it, and that will help the anxiety.
293526
I don't mean this rudely.....please don't take it that way...but I don't think your problem is really interviewing...that's a symptom.  Just from this question it's clear that you have some esteem/depression issues...and they are surfacing in other areas of your life.  To give you the short answer.....sit down before your next job interview...and think of all the things you do well....they are there I assure you (everyone has strengths).  Find a way to apply those things to the job you would be doing.  You are selling yourself....to sell anything you have to know and love the product.  This is not meant to be flippant....but I think counseling (if it's attainable) might be good for you.  Do small things to make yourself feel better about yourself.  Lose 5 pounds.  Learn to play the guitar....whatever.  When you do things that make you happy, you became happier with yourself.
1022743
You may very well be asked the following (or facsilimiles thereof):\n\n1. How do you handle stress? (Tell them you like to volunteer...this is seen as your being a helpful, team-playing colleague.)\n2. Describe a stressful time at work and how you handled it. (Tell them that you opened a calm, meaningful dialogue about the situation. This will tell the H.R. person you are a clear thinker and a team-player).\n3. What is least appealing about your current workplace? (Do NOT say the low pay. The interviewer will think you are only at the interview for the chance to make "bigger bucks" and that you don't care about the company's mission).\n4. Tell me about a time when you were angered by your supervisor and how you handled it. (Do NOT say that you were never angered...the H.R. person will immediately eliminate you from the pool of applicants). \n\nYou will probably be asked quite a few "touchy" and uncomfortable questions by the interviewer. This is the way companies now weed out applicants...grace under fire. Your best bet...go into the interview with a calm, clear head and on the offensive! Make sure that the interviewer sees that you are a TEAM PLAYER...even if you aren't!
737807
First of all say to yourself - I am good and I will do well. That extra boost of confidence will carry you far in the interview. Here are some specific steps to take.\n\n1) Prepare. Interview is a two way street. So, think about what questions to ask them. Analyze the company and the division you will be interviewing. You may want to search the Internet for some latest news about the company. Jot down some relevant questions about the company and your job. For example, "I read that the number of subscribers for your business seems to have jumped quite a bit in the recent quarter. How do you see the next few quarters?" or "I saw that your company acquired XYZ. What impact, if any, does it have on the position I am applying for?"\n2. Note down some major accomplishments of yours and weave them into three or four little 1-2 minute stories. For example, the time in a previous job where you demonstrated fast learning. At the appropriate time use these stories. Prepare this in such a way it has the following components - what was the problem, what was your solution, what was the result? Such stories emphasize your strengths with examples rather than simply saying "I am good at xyz". Also, think about one weakness of yours and learn to put a positive spin around it. For example, "I am generally shy but in the last job I made sure that I improved on it. I have invited....I will continue to improve here."\n3. Listen carefully. If possible, take notes on what people say during the interview. Write down their names, tieles, and email addresses so that you can send them thank you emails.\n4. Close the interview with one or two of your strengths. State how enthusiastic you are about the job and citing your strength say why you will be a great match. \n5. Smile and show energy and enthusiasm.\n6. Don't smoke or eat smelly foods (e.g. garlic) before the interview. Avoid alcoholic drinks if you go for lunch or dinner with your employers. Also avoid foods that will take over your mouth such as a huge sandwich.\n7. Wear conservative and clean outfits.\n8. Arrive 10 minutes before the interview\n9. Before you enter relax. If singing a song will make you do that, do so in your head. \n10. Tell yourself -- I am good and I am going to do well.\n\nGood luck.
313372
Tips for Success in Interviews\n\n    * First impression is the best impression. You will be judged by ; the way you dress, your educational qualification, work experience, body language, manners, ability to absorb the information and interpret it intelligently and clearly. So take care to be at your best.\n    * Carry your relevant documents in order - like certificates, copy of application sent, bio-data etc. in a folder so that it can be easily shown when asked. Take a pen also.\n    * Present the documents only if the interviewer ask for it.\n    * Never be late for an interview.\n    * Greet the interviewers as soon as you enter.\n    * Sit down only when you are asked to. It is better not to pull the chair, either lift it or move it and always enter from the right side of the chair.\n    * Say 'please and thank you' whenever required.\n    * Listen carefully and pay attention to the question. If the question is not clear to you ask politely for a repeat.\n    * Reply confidently and immediately to the point, keeping your answers short unless asked for a longer description.\n    * While answering, look directly at the person asking the questions and try to be pleasant.\n    * Replies connected to any details regarding your bio-data should be authentic.\n    * It is better to admit if you don't know something.\n    * Remember to say 'sorry' if your opinions or answers are rejected.\n    * Avoid indulging in certain mannerisms in your speech or behavior.\n    * You can ask when you can expect to hear from them before you leave.\n    * Don't forget to say "Thank you" at the end of an interview to every interviewer before leaving.\n    * Shake hands only if the interviewer initiates the gesture.\n    * Walk out confidently without looking back.\n    * Gently shut the door behind you as you leave
959899
First off...you can do it.  You can win this interview.   How do I know?  \n\na) You have recognized the challenge\nb) You are seeking help in finding a solution.  This act is a sign of confidence and security.   NEVER be ashamed to ask for help.   It is a sign of higher intelligence.\nc) There is still plenty of time to prepare and be ready.\n\nFirst, find yourself a professional notebook (not a binder) with preferably a dark cover on it.   You will take this notebook with you to your interview.  Bring a good quality pen for taking notes and jotting things down that come to mind whenever the interviewer speaks.\n\nYou are going to build for yourself a simple, clear "script" or a set of crib notes for you interview.   If you get nervous at any point during the conversation, you just need to steady yourself and get back on message my looking down at your notes.   The interviewer will be VERY impressed that you have prepared for the interview and will think positively of you.   You will write information in groups of 3.\n\nPage 1 - On the first line of the page in bold letters, write 3 points that identify your real strengths that you will bring to the role or position that you are interviewing for today.   Space the three points so they can quickly and easily be read.   Write the points clearly so you don't have to search for them while conversing with the interviewer.\n\nNext, write 3 intelligent and thoughtful questions about the job that you can ask.   One very powerful question is this, "How does this position help you (the interviewer) accomplish your key goals or objectives?"   You will not need more than 3 questions.\n\nNext, write 3 simple notes on things that you have accomplished that demonstrate you could do this job.\n\nNext write these three phrases in big letters that you can read: \n+   Breath deep and relax. RELAX RELAX then you are at your best\n+   Gently half smile after each question or answer.\n+   Look the interviewer directly in the eyes when you speak\n\nIf you complete this set of notes, rehearse it a few times by yourself or with a friend, by the time your interview comes around you will be smooth as silk and smart as a fox.\n\nRemember...you are a competent, hard working, and intelligent worker.   Write that phrase at the very top of the page in capital letters and at the very bottom of the page.   Say they words to the interviewer when you shake their hand at the end of the session.\n\nBest wishes for your complete success.\n\nPS - I am a retired Chief Operating Officer of a major company.  I know you can do this...so should you.
1119633
Be early upon arrival. Do some extensive research on the position that you are going to interview for. Be prepared to ask a few questions about what will be expected from you. Ask questions concerning training and continuation of education. Never say anything negative about a past employer or job experience. Also be prepared to answer situation based questions. For example: When have you received bad service and what did you do? These questions have replaced the questions of yesterday,because not only do they give insight into your personality,but also display your judgment and cognitive ability. Some of these questions have nothing to do with the job, or the position yet they are universal in determining a good employee. The night before buff up on simple algebra and grammar, and maybe take an on line typing speed test. Reason being is that if the interview goes well, often employers will ask you to take a skills test or an assessment right away. Finally, have a fresh copy of your resume or c.v. on nice paper, list of references, and past salary(always lie about this ,so you get more money) . G'luck
1078657
For me, I pray for Godly wisdom that I may answer the questions to the best of my abilities.  Also, be prepared to answer questions that you may not necessarily think are important, but have an underlying value to the interviewer.\n\nMost importantly, be yourself, be professionally dressed (regardless of company), and be confident in your answers.\n\nI wouldn't drink anything with caffeine and listen to classical music on the way to the interview.  It will help keep your nerves calmed.
83846
ideal job don't drop on your lap. if you wait for things to happen, you'll always be unsatisfied.\nits normal for you to feel awkward or afraid to go for interviews, allowing the HR people to judge you.\nif you don't try, you will never know how high you can soar.
886638
Stay calm. Being nervous won't help. \n\nLay out your outfit tonight. Be sure you have any jewelry (not too much of course) on hand so you won't have to scramble. Select the makeup you want to wear with your outfit, be sure you have enough, etc. etc.\n\nResearch the company. Look up the history and who's who in the company. Do you know the name of the person who will interview you? See if you can find a bio online. It's now customary to show a potential candidate around the office to see how other people react to him/her. That means you should be nice to everyone you see there.\n\nBe sure you know how to get there. Google or Yahoo maps are really helpful, although if you're driving you might want to add more time due to traffic, weather conditions, etc.\n\nGoogle some interview questions that you think might come up. Why are you a good fit for the company? What makes you different from other candidates? What accomplishments do you have that can benefit the company? Do you work well with a team and individually? Have a friend practice with you.\n\nBe ready to sell yourself (without being overbearing). Be sure to smile and be polite. Be sure to thank your interviewer and to write a thank you note via email or snail mail. \n\nGood luck!
1158986
Never let them see you sweat.  I've lived and sworn by this rule for the last 15 years (including the interview to work at my job).  Get enough rest 7+ hours but not more than 9 or you'll look very sleepy tomorrow.  Eat breakfast, but not too many carbohydrates (like pancakes, stick to eggs, bacon, toast and milk).  Be yourself, that's who they are going to be working with.  Tell yourself you are qualified for this job.  You are very deserving of this job. And whatever you do, stop thinking about your financial situation. This will only make you feel desperate tomorrow.  Be confident, you will get this job.
1165789
practice the types of questions that you think they will ask. Role play with a friend so that you have some practice. Most of all remember that they would not be interviewing you unless they didn't already believe that you are a good fit for the position. And SMILE!! It will tell them that you are happy to have the chance to interview and that you will bring a positive attitude to their company!\n\nGood Luck on your interview!!
737757
the only problem with moving is that whatever is inside of you goes with you too.  if you don't change on the inside, where you are living won't matter much.\n\nif you are getting tons of interviews then you are doing something right.  if you aren't getting any offers then you are doing something wrong.  it's probably your back up against the wall kind of desperation leaking through.\n\ndon't give off a desperate vibe in interviews.  before you go in, keep repeating to yourself "they would be lucky to have me" like you mean it over and over again until the second you shake their hand.  it sounds kind of stupid but it works.  it changes your vibe from "oh please god please have them hire me" kind of desperation to "damn! we would be lucky to have her here! let's make her an offer before someone else does."\n\nalways send a thank you note after an interview.  i can't tell you how many times i have had a toss-up between two or three people and the thank you note sealed the deal.  there is no substitute for good manners, and i know if i have a well-mannered staff i won't have all that office trauma & drama going on.\n\nonce you get a job and have income a lot of your troubles will disolve.  you will be able to move and after you do you will need to sit down and take a long hard look at yourself and your life.  then you can decide what you really want out of life and can work towards getting it.
431242
Have less faith in FEAR and more faith in yourself.\n\nGod created you and God doesn't make junk.\n\nThink positive. Just because you haven't done it yet, doesn't mean it isn't doable.\n\nMost importantly, tell any negative thoughts in your mind to BE GONE in Jesus name.\nJesus already fought the fight against negative... you do not have to keep dealing with it.  God is with you. God is LOVE.\n\nWhen you ask yourself a question choose the answer that represents LOVE, TRUTH, JOY, KINDNESS.\n\nIf you go out there and do the interview, and you don't get the job, you have still succeeded!!! Because you overcame THAT fear.\n\nStop letting the negative in your mind beat you up emotionally.  You are stronger than you have been thinking.\n\nBlessings to you.