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Pre-interview jitters: how to resolve

Connemara

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As much as I try not to, I always get nervous before interviews. Wouldn't be a big problem except for the fact that I often display it outwardly: flushed face, sweat on the brow.

Is there anything I should do beforehand to calm the nerves? I've never meditated, but I wonder if I should try.

If I had Valium, that would be an option.
rimshot.gif
 

Teacher

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One thing that seemed to help former students of mine was when we focused on the fact that an interview is simply a conversation. If you think of it that way -- a give-and-take about how you'll help the company -- you'll see it's not the formal, hard-nosed grilling most people envision it to be.
 

forex

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Get drunk and you'll be fine.
 

Bartolo

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If the sweating and shakes are bad, you could get a doctor to prescribe propranolol; it's a beta-blocker (blood pressure medication) often prescribed for stage fright, which is what you're exhibiting. It won't do anything to your state of mind, but will address the physical manifestations of too much adrenalin. It has long been generic and is very inexpensive.
 

sho'nuff

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Originally Posted by Connemara
As much as I try not to, I always get nervous before interviews. Wouldn't be a big problem except for the fact that I often display it outwardly: flushed face, sweat on the brow.

Is there anything I should do beforehand to calm the nerves? I've never meditated, but I wonder if I should try.

If I had Valium, that would be an option.
rimshot.gif


im not sure if this is a practical suggestion as any philosophical or medicative suggestion would not work here in this instance...
but i would try something that rocks your emotions really hard right before the interview. something that would make the interview pale in comparison to the signifcance of what just occurred.

go ask a girl out in class that you like and fail hard. go bet a few hundred dollars in a casino and either win big or lose it all (may not be practical as i said, as youre interviewing for a job) or go bungy jump if you have a fear of it. something like that.

then the interview, because of your rocked emotions, would allow you to be just chill and you can do it really easily
 

gdl203

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Close your eyes, take deep breathes in through your nose, out through your mouth, feel the air circulate through your lungs down to your stomach, focus on imaginary flows of air running slowly down through each of your limbs, fingers, toes, feel imaginary flows of anxious energy flow up and out of your body. Open your eyes. Smile.

That, or get drunk.
 

DerekS

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a couple martinis will help ya out plenty. unless youre a pu$$y. in that case, try an appletini....

maybe you should try an appletini.
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laugh.gif



In all seriousness, best of luck to ya.
 

Milpool

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Arrive early and spank it in the bathroom. Should calm the nerves.
 

jenlain

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I find that the key to getting over interview jitters is to over-prepare. Consider every possible question they could ask you and that you want to ask them. Rehearse your answers out loud in front of a mirror or other person multiple times. Moderate exercise, a light meal, and lots of sleep the night before help as well.

I also find that pre-interview "release" helps.
 

mpieniaz

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One tip my father gave me when I started the interviewing process for full time jobs in my senior year is to treat it like a conversation. Companies do not bring in any old Joe Schmuck to interview so they know you are qualified based on your education and prior work experience.

An interview is basically a personailty fit with a company. They want to make sure they can stand working with you on a daily basis. Even more so in my field (Big 4 accounting) because 15 hour days are possible and do happen.

When I get to an interview I arrive early (Can not stress this enough) go into the bathroom make sure I use the facilities, have a drink of water, damp paper towel to the forehead, pop a mint and look in the mirror and tell myself I am going to f*****g kill this interview.

My last interview I interviewed on a Friday afternoon and had an offer by Monday morning.
 

Gus

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I find an intense workout as soon as I get up makes me more relaxed during intense meetings. For true "stage fright", talk to a Dr about Inderal a beta blocker.
 

fareau

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Originally Posted by jenlain
I find that the key to getting over interview jitters is to over-prepare. Consider every possible question they could ask you and that you want to ask them. Rehearse your answers out loud in front of a mirror or other person multiple times. Moderate exercise, a light meal, and lots of sleep the night before help as well.

+1, excellent advice right here.
 

suited

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Have you ever been interviewed and realized afterward that you no longer want the job? The point is that, in most situations, you're interviewing them as well. Think like this and you'll go in there realizing that it's not so one sided, presenting yourself as more of an equal in your own head will calm your nerves a lot. I also recommend a quick tug.
 

SpallaCamiccia

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Originally Posted by forex
Get drunk and you'll be fine.

Do charlie, I know some guys who amazed the interviewer for his talking speed...That was in the 80s ...
 

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