It’s In The Ears
If you thought interviewing was only about answering questions, you’ve been missing
the point. You’ve also been missing an opportunity to gather valuable information.
Listening is one of the skills most underutilized by candidates.
Most people go into the interview thinking and worrying about how they will
answer the questions, and they forget that they are there to find out about the job and the company.
Don’t forget to listen, observe and read between the lines.
3 Reasons You Fear Interviewing for a Job – and How to Get Over It
This is the norm –
Your heart is beating faster than usual, your hands feel clammy, your mouth is so dry it feels like you have cotton inside – and the butterflies in your stomach are out of control.
These are the Reasons –
1. Fear of the unknown.
Think about it – what do you have to lose here? What’s the worst thing that can happen? If you are coming across as desperate – “Please, please, hire me,” the interview is beginning on a defensive note. Interviewers smell fear.
2. Fear of looking like you don’t know what you’re talking about – “brain freeze.”
So, you’re about to go in and talk about yourself. What’s so tough about that? For some people that is huge. They consider it bragging and they “hate” bragging and talking about themselves and their accomplishments.
3. Fear of Rejection
Who wants to be rejected? Nobody. It doesn’t feel good at all. The truth is that it may have nothing to do with you. It has to do with the interviewer/company – and, there are tons of extenuating circumstances.
The Cures
A change in thinking
This is not an appointment with the dentist who may inflict pain.
It is a conversation with another person. This is a conversation – a two-way process. You will be interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Is there a good fit here – both ways? What looks good on paper may not be what it appears – for either party.
Take some time to relax and BREATHE
Prepare before the Interview
Preparation will make you feel more confident and less anxious. Can you imagine giving a performance without some practice and preparation? “Winging” the interview in today’s market is a big mistake.
Is This The Only Job In Town?
For every job you apply for there are more than likely three to four equally qualified candidates in line for the same job. Whether you stand out from “the crowd” will depend on your preparation and ability to show confidence in yourself – believing that you are the “best candidate for this job.”
Fear of Rejection
You may have had a number of interviews with no offer. You may be feeling defeated, and it’s beginning to affect your-self esteem.
This would be true of anyone. But it is a mistake to take it personally.
Let it go
“Did you get a marriage proposal after every date?” Well, you probably aren’t going to get a job offer after every interview.
Learn to enjoy meeting new people and having new experiences. Who knows you may even grow to like interviewing.
