July 31, 2023
How to conquer interview fear.
😉 You see that, right? “Conquer.” You don’t just want to push it behind you for a minute. You want to overcome it.
Suppose I give you a few tips for that?
Interview Fear
It’s real.
Let’s be honest — there’s a dread factor that almost everyone recognizes.
You know what it feels like…
Being interviewed feels like going before the court. Getting into the uncomfortable “victim seat” and being questioned. And worse: Judged. Since we are all imperfect, it’s probably not going to go well. So much to judge, so much to find lacking or unworthy.
Sooo… You’re miserable. Tense.
Waiting for your turn seems to last much longer than expected. You consider leaving, just to relieve the stress.
Your outfit becomes unbelievably warm. A tiny droplet of perspiration forms on your forehead. It’s just a warning. Because bigger droplets then form everywhere. From head to toe.
When your name is called, your weak legs barely get you into the office.
You sit down as you’re invited, but being seated isn’t a relief. It’s a surrender. Everything in you says “Just get it over with.”
Your throat is tight, and your thoughts are racing. You hesitate and stumble over every answer.
All your preparation, practice, and outfit changes are not enough. You realize you’re terrified and far from ready.
We know. We’ve done it, too.
And Then…
And then, you find out there’s another way. A completely different experience.
Call it Door #2.
Here’s how it is:
You see the job opening advertised. You do your research, apply for the position, do more research, and show up ready and eager.
As you wait, you are relaxed and happy. You have a friendly conversation with someone in the room.
Your name is called, and you walk easily into the office.
You take your seat, as an invited guest and someone who came with a purpose. You’re a participant in something important.
The discussion is comfortable, energetic, and satisfying. The topics are easily covered and questions are answered with enthusiasm. Both people are pleased, and even slightly excited.
At the conclusion of the meeting, plans are made for the next encounter — either a second interview, or an invitation to accept the job.
👉🏻 👉🏻 Who wouldn’t choose door number two? 👈🏻 👈🏻
But you can’t just “choose” it, can you?
Door number two is for that person.
- That person who looks forward to an interview.
- That person who knows what he’s doing.
- That person who presents herself as a professional.
Would you be surprised to know you can choose it?
Conquer the Fear:
How To Be That Person
You think only others can be “that person” but you’re so wrong.
And there’s a reason you think this way.
All the interview advice you find generally focuses on
- a set of standard questions,
- a set of clothing tips, and
- a set of rules for the right resume.
All of that is important and necessary. Don’t ignore it.
But there’s more…
This one more thing that sounds small and simple, but it’s so important.
Find Out What They Need, and Be It.
That’s right. Be the person they need.
You’ve read the advice about doing your research. Double down on those efforts. This is information you really need.
Then move yourself into a certain mindset.
What am I telling you?
I’m telling you how to stop being the helpless victim, and how to start being the helpful promise.
Let me give you the picture:
Make sure you see that “Help Wanted” job offer as exactly what it is: A request for help.
Make sure you see the interviewer as the person who called out “Help” and you came running.
How does it look, to step forward and answer a cry for help?
Well, it looks interested, that’s for sure. It looks determined. It looks earnest and ambitious.
Here’s a way to get your thoughts moving in this direction:
Imagine that you’ve already been hired. (Yay!)
It’s your first day of work. You’re about to show up for your first assignment, and someone will tell you what needs to be done.
They meet you, and together you look at the work project.
They may ask you questions to learn about your understanding before they give you a specific instruction. You might even take notes.
When you picture that, how are you standing? What’s your posture? Your expression?
My guess is that you’re looking directly at the person’s face, that you’re listening carefully to what they say, and that you’re asking questions periodically.
(In other words, you’re interested, determined, earnest, and ambitious.)
After all, you’re a part of their team, and you are ready to serve and to help.
Spend time really thinking about the details in this way.
Because during the interview, you want to present yourself as that person.
When you can make this mindset shift, everything changes.
The way you think is how to conquer interview fear.
Do You Have To Take It This Far?
Well, not if you don’t want the job.
You’re free to express yourself in any way you want to.
But you know what? I’d never let you do that. Waste your time and someone else’s too.
How To Conquer Interview Fear
If we can shift our thoughts to “serving” and “helping” our interview will go much better. That’s because someone has cried “Help” and you’ve answered.
Do what you came to do. Help. Find out about the position, describe the ways you can help. Support your offer with tales of experience and references to back it up.
Present yourself as an eager and reliable coworker. (Since that’s what you hope to be soon!)
And here’s what happens:
You make your interviewer see that the problem can be resolved. You’re offering a solution. You’re helping them look ahead. And you’re offering a promise:
As soon as you’re hired, those duties that haven’t been getting done will be resumed by a capable person — you!
That’s super good news for your interviewer. It’s exactly what they need.
And look at you! You just went from sweaty dreader to solution and conclusion.
How’s that for a mindset shift?
Would you like more advice like this?
I’ve got it.
Get in touch with me and tell me what you think. Or what you want.
Better yet: Tell me what you’re most afraid of when you have a job interview coming up.
(Comment below, or go to my “Contact” page.)
If you want to receive the next topic about interviews without asking, just subscribe. A friendly message will appear in your inbox — interested, determined, earnest, and ambitious. (See what I did right there? 😜)
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