I need tips on preparing for an interview/ having an interview

matt10001

ok I got an interview next week

Before the interview, I normally research the company, find some latest news about the company, research the role and then think about the type of questions they may ask.

On the day of the interview, I get quite nervous, how do I keep my nerves in check? Also how are you meant to the question? Using the star technique?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

hieveryone

It may be a placebo, or purely psychological, but I swear by Bach's Rescue Remedy for nerves. I like the dropper bottle, and I end up going through half a bottle at times!

I also try and do visualisations, imagining yourself walking in there and shaking hands and being confident, picturing yourself being the kind of person you want to be.

Good luck.

[Deleted User]

Don't think about the interview, whilst wishing you luck

It really works not thinking about it

My best was NYE when I was told I'd have an interview an hour later, there was no panicking!

Were you told what type of interview, not all interviews are competency based
My feedback as I fail these is for not being chatty enough

[Deleted User]

Don't think about the interview, whilst wishing you luck

It really works not thinking about it

My best was NYE when I was told I'd have an interview an hour later, there was no panicking!

Were you told what type of interview, not all interviews are competency based
My feedback as I fail CB's is for not being chatty enough so I'll be reading reeds new book why you!

pinpin

how did it it go?
I'm supposed to go for an interview next week, but I haven't confirmed that i'm available yet, as i'm just so nervous and don't really see the point.

My last few interviews have just been more cringe-worthy than anything you can imagine! I can't sell myself, I have no skills, no confidence, and just can't answer their questions.
My mind also goes completely blank.

This interview is with 3 people, apparently!

I really need to find a job where no interview is required. I've had a few of these (without them i'd likely have never had a job!) but they're hard to find.

Also, has anyone taken a particular prescription drug to help with things like job interviews? Something to completely eliminate nerves (I tend to get stomach cramps, unable to think straight and feel extremely nauseous until the interview is over)

InsideInsurance

matt10001 wrote: »

how do I keep my nerves in check? Also how are you meant to the question? Using the star technique?

TBH, keeping nerves in check is a fairly personal thing and what works for one doesnt necessarily work for another. I used to get nervous when I was in my 20s but in more recent years I have more self confidence in by abilities and realise they are just a human bean too and nothing to be scared of. Thankfully I've always had interviews because I want the job rather than because I'm out of work so there is a lot less pressure.

Not sure your second question is supposed to be how to answer or how to ask?

Assuming its answer then STAR is a good technique for the competency questions, the "give me an example when" type ones. You could use an example if they ask you how you would approach something rather than have approached it but then you may spin it a little and give actions first and then pull in the scenario. Obviously dont need STAR for "how was your journey?" etc :A

As to your asking questions then normally you are invited to at the end but you can put some questions in after giving an answer if you want and make it more of a two way conversation than you being interrogated.

Its always good to respond to their answers to your questions where possible. So "What would be the biggest challenge in the first 3 months?" and whatever they come back with you can reply with how you've overcome something similar before etc.

JustOnce

Try mindfulness. I'm being serious.

Caroline_a

This is what I have used for a long time, it works on a wide range of life experiences, but interviews are a good one.

Ask yourself - what is the worst thing that could happen? In this case it would be not getting the job. Ok, so you would be in exactly the same situation that you were before you had the interview. I have always found that thinking about it this way takes away all nerves.

pinpin

Caroline_a wrote: »

Ask yourself - what is the worst thing that could happen?

I try to tell myself this, but even though it's not 'life or death' I really hate the feeling I get when i'm making a complete idiot of myself in front of strangers, and that is what always happens to me in interviews, and so it's what I expect in the next.
The pounding heart, and the sweats and the nauseaous feelings as I struggle to think of an answer to the questions. The awkward silences as they wait for me to elaborate. Being so nervous that I can't think straight and try to exit out of the wrong door or, as has happened before, unable to even open the door! lol

The interview i'm supposed to go to on Monday is with 3 people interviewing me. Three! And I regret applying as it's a bit out of my depth anyway
(office based role. I could send you the spec if you wanted?)
I usually just pack boxes or something.

Even though I don't think I'll attend it, i've been trying to research lots about interview answers etc, but it's so hard for someone like me who has never had any success or anything to 'brag' about.

I'm just trying to find some general answers for things like 'skills' - even if it's obviously not entirely true. (like I hear that saying you have good communications skills is a good one, although I really really don't!!)
Better than saying nothing at all like I did In my last interview when I was told to list 5 skills and 5 strengths! (I couldn't think of any)

jimmy2times

Someone should make an app which uses a microphone to pick up key words in the interviewers question, and then finds other key words to use in your answer. You can wear a discreet earphone so hear the suggestions.

I also find some questions impossible. Like ''give me an example of a time'' etc. My work life has all been extremely low level office or unskilled manual labour. As such, I simply can't think of any real-life examples to use in an answer to questions which always feel like they're aimed at already successful people.

duchy

Doesn't need to be work related
" I recall the time I helped organize my Grandmother's 80th birthday party. It involved helping organize and co-ordinate lots of different people helping with different tasks and working as part of a team. Organizing enough chairs for everyone was as important as making a fantastic cake for example -I learned how to encourage people to work to their indiviual strengths and talents to make for a better whole."

Illustrates you understand how to work as a team player and a problem solver.

jimmy2times wrote: »

I also find some questions impossible. Like ''give me an example of a time'' etc. My work life has all been extremely low level office or unskilled manual labour. As such, I simply can't think of any real-life examples to use in an answer to questions which always feel like they're aimed at already successful people.