Job Interview Nerves?

[scrub-jay]

Hi everyone-

I have a great job interview tomorrow, but as always, I am a ball of nerves. I know this sometimes murders my interviews - anyone have clever ideas to ease the nerves?? Of course, charismatic, easy-going DH just says "Don't worry, just be relaxed!" Gotta love him...but still, grrr.

Thanks!

-C

[MrsK]

When I have to do public speaking, I generally start off by introducing myself and then confessing that I'm nervous. After that, it seems that the anxiety melts away and my audience is much more sympathetic and forgiving. Perhaps a modified version of that technique would work in your interviews.

[fluffhead]

I always have that image of Barney from the Simpsons saying to Homer "picture them in their underweeeaaar"
ooh look I found it!
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionC...5/undrwear.wav

[alison]

Take a deep breath in through your nose and out your mouth before you start. This always helps me -- and then I don't end up with a high-pitched voice, gasping for air mid-sentence.

You'll be great!

[medpedspouse]

What part of the interview makes you nervous? If you practice that part or each part (i.e. how you answer questions, how prepared you are, how to make small talk, how you look, how much you know about the company) your confidence will increase. If you have a video camera (or even over the phone) - get your DH or a friend to ask questions - hard ones, the lame ones (as in where do you see yourself in X yrs) even inappropriate ones (because sometimes employers will ask these). Then, review and change the areas where you do not come across as you'd like.

Your DH should understand. It is like when they learn how to do the H&Ps. You want to come across as confident, knowledgeable, & competent.

Good Luck!! ANd keep us posted.

[scrub-jay]

Thank you all for the great ideas and the amazing support...I will post tomorrow on how it went overall (from my perspective of course). The job is kind of a long shot, but I'm going to be myself and hope for the best.

Again, thanks, you have all given me some great things to work on and think about - and I did spend a long time tonight practicing, so hopefully everything will go over well.

Think good thoughts for me!!

-C

[ladymoreta]

I had a performance review that I was really nervous about once - more so than I ever have been for interview. I drew a tiny smiley face on the inside web of my hand, between my thumb and first finger. During the review, I got flustered during one question, and I looked down at my smiley face, and it seemed to help. I know, it sounds dumb, but just knowing that little smiley guy was down there got me back into my own head, and I could focus on my answers.

Hope it goes well!

[Bittersweet]

Good luck,Crystal!! I'm sure you'll do great

I drew a tiny smiley face on the inside web of my hand, between my thumb and first finger. During the review, I got flustered during one question, and I looked down at my smiley face, and it seemed to help. I know, it sounds dumb, but just knowing that little smiley guy was down there got me back into my own head, and I could focus on my answers.

I love this.

[scrub-jay]

*update*

So, I feel like the interview went well - although I was nervous, I thought of all of your suggestions and used them all (even the smiley face)! Although I cannot say that I was totally relaxed, I think this was my best interview, I felt like I said everything I had wanted to and I'll let you know as soon as I know more.

It is funny - I couldn't wait to get home to let you all know how it went (I am such an addict!)

Thank you so much for the support and suggestions! I'm now going to will my phone to ring with good news (or maybe take a walk!)





-C

[moonlight]

GOOD LUCK to ya!!!!!!

[Bittersweet]

Glad it went well! I'll keep my fingers crossed for good news.

[Meenah]

I'm late chiming in, but glad you felt ok with the interview. I love the smiley face!!!

[ladymoreta]

Great job! Good luck, and let us know when you hear something!

[scrub-jay]

--update--

After a long week...I just got the call:

I GOT THE JOB!

I am very excited (although I think my DH has been victory-dancing more than me). This will certainly help the financial strain of med school.

Thanks to all of you that offered the great advice and support, it sure paid off!



-C