Going from a secure job for nine years, to no job and being thrown into the unknown is pretty scary. As a family, we could survive financially a little while on the money we had, but the reality was I would soon need a job.
Job interviews and other high-pressure situations haven’t gone well for me in the past. I panic and I’m usually unable to control my nerves. Therefore I dread situations like this. I start imagining someone will just ring and say, ‘hey, no need for an interview, just take the job‘. I think it’s my brain pretending it’s all hunky-dory.
In the post, I want to address the realities of how harsh the interview process can be on applicants. And the emotional toll this can take.
I hope all employers now recognise they will get the best out of people if they allow them to be comfortable. When you have a healthy level of anxiety or nerves, it allows your personality to shine through more.
Interview nerves
Interview nerves are a common thing. Any level of anxiety can be a good thing and the mechanism is there to protect us. However, for me, it got out of control on many occasions in the past. This resulted in me sabotaging opportunities or simply not going for what I wanted in life, due to a lack of confidence.
I must admit, conducting my recent interview via Teams took away a lot of the stress I usually feel. Being in my own home, separated by a video call and as such, I felt less pressure. I also took some Kalms prior to the interview and read through my affirmations, in order to prepare.
If you’re currently in a similar position to me, The Guardian has some useful tips for beating interview nerves.
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I hope all employers now recognise they will get the best out of people if they allow them to be comfortable. When you have a healthy level of anxiety or nerves, it allows your personality to shine through more. And it’s exactly what happened in my recent interview because this was the feedback I was given.
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A different experience this time
Because I am now in a different place mentally, I reacted to this high-pressure situation differently.
Strangely, on this occasion, it was the best interview I’ve ever had. Don’t get me wrong, I was nervous as hell, and questioning myself right up to the morning. I printed out loads of prep and spent time learning what I would say. None of the internal anxiety I feel will ever go away. I overthink and prepare to give myself the best shot in the situation.
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A career move I’ve wanted to make for a while
I was applying for a role in the charity sector. Therefore I felt comfortable finally speaking my truth. I was honest about my recent struggles and it felt great to finally be interviewed by, and have the prospect of working with, lovely, caring people.
There was nothing wrong with any of the people I previously worked with. They were just brainwashed by office culture and poor management. Essentially, I worked for a company whose practices were behind the times, with an inadequate management team.
I feel like this role will be different. And it feels great to finally be in a good place with my career.
What comes next
It was great to update you on my current situation and how I overcame interview nerves to make the career change I’ve wanted for a while.
Later in the series, I will be discussing practical tips for interviews. The reality is the job hunting process changed a lot in nine years and I had to do my research. I will be sharing this research with you, to help anyone in a similar position.
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Until next time
Do you suffer from interview nerves? Have you pursued a career change? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Part 3 of the mini-series will be published next Wednesday
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and encouragement regarding job interviews. Interviews can definitely be scary but with a mindset of who you are and what you are looking for in working for anyone helps as you prepare for it. Enjoyed reading this post. ?
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
Thank you. I totally agree, it’s all about mindset.
I am glad you enjoyed reading the post.
I totally changed my mindset for this interview and started thinking about what I wanted and whether I would want to work for this company. This naturally takes away some stress.
It was interesting finding out about your career change.
I am glad people are finding it interesting.
As it is such a big life change for me, I thought why not write all about it!
Congrats on making your desired career change! I find interviews absolutely terrifying no matter how much preparation I do, so I’m so glad you smashed yours! I think feeling comfortable is super important to getting in the right headspace to interview. Thank you so much for sharing x
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I honestly think now I’ve aligned my passion with the role I’ve wanted to do for ages, this shone through in the interview. It actually made me a little more relaxed. Still nervous as hell, but kind of under control, haha!
I have been made redundant after 9 years with the same company, so I kind of get where you come from. While mine was a slightly different situation, the dread of job hunting (and the emotional toll it took on my mental health!) was definitely similar to yours Sam!
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I am sorry you also had to go through this, but it is also great to speak to other people in a similar position.
You have been so honest and open about the feelings during this time. It can be so overwhelming. I had a different situation where I was made redundant due to an accident there and it can be so hard on your mental health to think about starting over. Thank you for sharing your post.
Lauren
http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
Author
I totally agree. It can be really hard on your mental health.
Some of the interview processes introduced in the early 2000s – like role play – actually put me off applying for certain jobs. Like you, I suffer from interview nerves. The worst kind of interview is knowing, the moment you meet whoever is interviewing you, that you are not going to be successful. You can detect the disinterest. I find great preparation is the key to combating nerves. What you did to prepare is the best way to overcome anxiety. Great that you felt comfortable enough to open up. That’s how all interviews should be.
Author
I agree all interviews should be like this and I hope employers take this on board. You get to meet the real person when you ditch the activities which induce fear and nerves.
It’s not good for me because I get nervous during the interview haha. But these some great tips and thank you for sharing your experience. It’s nice to apply for something you like.
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Author
I am exactly the same.
Thanks for sharing this — it can be an overwhelming situation to be in and try to navigate. I think it is sometime underestimated how difficult it can be. Great post!
Author
It’s so overwhelming and it’s all changed since I last did it!