Job interviews and anxiety

Life in Recovery
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Going to job interviews for the first time in 8 years any suggestions for my anxiety ?

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Hi Heather, welcome to Talking Sober :wave:

First off, congratulations on the job interview! Being invited to an interview is an achievement in itself. You should be proud of that.

I have been on both sides of the interview table: as a job-seeker, and as an interviewer (I am an entrepreneur, and in my previous role I was a store manager).

The first thing I’d say is to remember that there is a chance you will not get the job. In most job interview situations the interviewer invites at least 3 job-seekers in for interviews. It’s good to get an invite - that is a good sign; I am sure the interviewer reviewed dozens of applications and only invited the best ones for the interview (and that includes you) - but be calm and try not to worry too much about the future, or about whether or not you’ll get the job. Focus on one thing at a time, and the thing to focus on now is the interview. Just be your professional self.

There are some really good tips for interview prep if you search online. I searched “job interview questions” and found this helpful page:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/top-20-interview-questions

Other tips:

  • Show up 15 minutes early.

  • Do some research online, about the company and about their products and services (be knowledgeable about them - this will help you give relevant answers to their questions).

  • Wear clothing that is suitable (professional) for the position you are applying for (put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes: what will the interviewer think of your clothing when you walk in the door).

  • Have a question prepared to ask the interviewer when the interview is done (for example, “What’s the most important part of this job, from your perspective?” - that question will give you an idea of what the interviewer expects from the person who gets the job).

  • Have fun! Smile and be yourself - the interview is a conversation. It’s a chance to meet someone and get to know their company. Enjoy the chance to chat! :innocent:

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There’s a good list of tips for handling job interview anxiety here:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/anxiety-interview

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Hi Heather & great going on the job interview! I echo everything Matt said and simply remember-- they asked to meet you…they want to get to know the person they are interested in! I think you should be happy & proud of that.

And, if you have any history (like some of us do with the law) they will see (background investigation) it’s best to be upfront and honest about the past. Not disclosing can be the difference in landing the job or not.

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I would say prepare some answers ahead of going and practice them. There are usually some pretty standard questions, for example:

Tell us why you want to work here?

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Tell us about when you’ve experienced team work?

What can you bring to the role?

Why are you leaving your old job?

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Welcome Heather!

I have always had terrible anxiety before interviews and have never known exactly how to deal with it but wanted to sympathise.

Great tips already shared.

I would say be friendly and have open body language. Try and answer questions while maintaining eye contact with the interviewer or panel. First impressions count too. You can get the job in the first 30 seconds. It is absolutely ok to ask them to repeat the question or take your time in answering. I have had some shocking 3 part interview questions and had to ask for a reminder of the last question after waffling on answering the first part (still got the job)

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Thanks guys all turned out well . I got a job and started orientation today . Yeah I’ve waited 5 long months .

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Amazing, congratulations!