Any tips for interview nerves?

AP007

CCFC_80 wrote: »

If you are stumped for an answer to a question, Just say if you can come back to it. You may have thought of something by then or better still, they may forget to ask you the original question.

Also a personal choice if asked to take a seat by the receptionist I prefer to remain standing when the interviewer arrives.

I wouldn't ask to come back to it as that shows you aren't prepared at all for what's thrown at you. Maybe ask for some clarification on the question to give you a few seconds more to think of the answer or ask them to expand on the question maybe.

[Deleted User]

AP007 wrote: »

You never ask in the interview about the ££

1 - know before you go

or

2 - wait for the 2nd interview or offer

And to be honest its not a real question

Yeah I was always taught Never to ask about salary, all the interview guidance I've been through says don't do it at interview - that should be discussed only when an offer is made, though I think it doesn't help so wish the rule book could be changed : ( offer time is to late IMO

falko89

After todays interview it has really made me question if I am doing the right thing in studying part time, are things gonna change when I get a degree? Not a hope in hell if I can't sort my interview skills out, is it really worth while doing all this study? Sure I have had several jobs in the past and I've had to have an interview for them all but the reality is anyone with a working pair of hands and legs would of got them jobs.

Lieja

Does your uni have a careers service? Find it and ask for mock interviews.

I used to have this problem in any stressful situation, to the point that I literally ran out of breath in the interview and couldn't physically speak!

The thing that works best for me is to control my breathing - I do this by sitting with my legs crossed, and slowly tapping one foot (not so they can see or so it makes any other part of me visibly move!) and concentrate in breathing in for three taps, and out for four. It takes a bit of practise, but it really helps me to regulate my breathing, which in turn helps me to deal with the inevitable adrenalin rush. It's got to the point now that my brain must be trained, and just the action really helps to calm me.

Another thing I try to do is think of the adrenalin as helpful rather than a problem. There's a point to it, and although that's not dealing with interviews it's there to help you deal with stress, and if you don't let it panic you, it really helps your brain to work that bit more sharply - which is ideal when you're hit with a tough question!

go_cat

There's nothing wrong in taking a few notes with examples of experience or skills you want to ger accross on it, even if you don't actually refer to it, it may relax you

theoretica

Are you trying to hide your nerves? I wonder if the opposite might actually help more. Just say straight out something like 'I am sorry, my mind went blank there, I am ridiculously nervous over this interview." It worked for my little cousin, and I have several times seen performers explain how nervous they are which gets the audience on their side.

saterkey

a few things that have helped me, still get nerves though badly

used to get very hot and red and look embarrassed, really annoying, I now take bp medicine and don't wear a jacket so I am cooler.

I try not to think about the interview until the day, otherwise I get very churned up.

I take my armour with me, folder of certificates, references, examples of databases etc.

I go over the interview questions Ive had before and have a typed list that I just practice before each interview, and also prepare a few questions. I take this with me and leave in car.

I get panicky on the tests they give you, just keep going and don't worry about the time. (I was given 20 mins to do two tables of figures, type up, one in word one on excel, and do appropriate formulas, in a strange office, with the reception near me and someone apologising profusely for get the wrong day for her apt for 10 mins then the interviewer coming into the room behind me and talking about the no of candidates shed had, etc all going on while typing chuckle, suddenly realised that the two tables weren't that different, so managed to cut and paste the new one and just insert new dates and nos as the layout was the same, I just managed it in 20 mins....! ive also had 10 mins to type a 2 sheeter with tables, standing up at a laptop and been interrupted during that time, I didn't finish that one. I just put it down to experience and plod on.

always be nice to reception or anyone else that greets you, a lot of time they feedback to panel.

try to know the salary, conditions etc before the interview.

have acronyms is that the right word, like three words to describe yourself PRO, proactive, responsible and organised. Extra responsibilities you've done, MAR ie Meetings took extra on, Access database, set up a marketing one, Room, cleared and boxed up a project to clear room for lecturer etc.

good luck.

Kathy535

Last time I had an interview a colleague suggested I roar before I went in. I thought this was a stupid suggestion, but I did go into the toilets beforehand and try it out. I felt utterly ridiculous but it made me laugh and feel more relaxed. I was still smiling when I entered the interview room. While I didn't get the job I did get good feedback and they commented on how well I came across. Might be worth a try?

zildjian

I guess the best piece of advice that i was given was to look at the interview as a two-way process. You are selling yourself to them, but (from experience and friends) many forget that the company are selling themselves to you as well.

It made me just be myself and not a textbook person who knows the Google answers during an interview. By extension, if i was unsuccessful then i shrugged it off as if they didn't want me to work for them, i wouldn't want to work for them!

I also follow the rule of thumb by Prof Nicholas Taleb about randomosity. If you have managed to get an interview, then you have met the bench mark. If you an apt candidate and answer the questions with reasonable answers. Then really, its luck. The interviewer could connect with one answer, whilst another may not.

I dont know if this helps, but it definitely helped me get over the nerves of an interview (for the most part). Probably even more so after an interview aswell it stopped me fretting.

Hope this helps. I know its probably a bit more of changing yout philosophy on it as apposed to practical techniques such as roaring etc.

Ps like the roar technique, never used it myself, but can see me doing it in other situations

SilS

ILW wrote: »

Getting drunk before the interview helps with nerves.
Best not to be sick on the interviewers desk though, and if you do, offer to clean it up.

Seriously????