are you nervous when having an interview?

China
April 27, 2007 2:29am CST
I am very nervous when having an interview,whatever it is for a job or for entering university and no matter whether I have prepared or not.I think each of us should have at least an interview before you find a job,how do you think your behaviour in the interview.every time I am very nervous,so the interviewer always thinks I am lack of confidence,so I missed many good chances? but I do not know why I am so nervous?can you give me some advice,my dear friends?thank you very much!
10 people like this
55 responses
@dopey22girl (3319)
• United States
27 Apr 07
I get very nervous before hand, but it seems as the interview is going on I'm surprisingly calm. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging, but I've practiced in school doing interviews, and I think I do a really good job at them, so it makes me feel more confident during the interview. But it is definitely a scary thing, and you just have to make sure you come off as a good person!
4 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
actually,I think I am qualified,but it seems that interview is so hard for me.
2 people like this
@gsnarayanan (1704)
• India
27 Apr 07
There is no need for getting nervous during such occasions! Be calm then only you can think and hanle the situations! There are many people with excellent skills but are not picked up and placed in properly dueto such silly factors! I am giving below a few hints on how to face a successful interview: § The first point to keep in mind is being confident of yourself. Dress appropriately. Turn the cell phone off while entering the interview hall. And when the recruiter or hiring manager comes to greet you, look them in the eye and offer a firm handshake. If the candidate's handshake is weak or eye contact is poor, "I can tell right away it's not going to be a good interview. § You should have made a brief research of the company that you are targeting beforehand and project a professional image of yourself to the interview board. According to recruiters and interview experts not projecting a professional image is one of the mistakes that the job candidates routinely make. § Hiring managers often ask questions with multiple layers. While they are interested in your answers, they also want to see if you are really listening. Will you answer all parts of the question directly and succinctly, or are you going to blether on and on? Listening lets you discover what the company is really looking for and what its key issues are. There are so many clues, when you're really listening, you can pick up clues from the interviewer about what they seem to be interested in, what they are emphasizing, what the hot buttons are for the company. So listen carefully. Be sure you answer the question that is asked. Don't repeat yourself. And if a question flusters you, repeat it to be sure you are hearing it correctly. § The Interview manager may ask "Tell me about yourself". Write down few words that describe yourself. Write down your strengths and weaknesses. Collect five to six anecdotes that illustrate your accomplishments. And write down your answer to that "tell me about yourself" question, including some facts about you, your strengths and the experiences you've had that will translate to this new job. Then practice, practice, and practice your answers. You might think it's overkill, but what it's really doing is giving you confidence and poise. § When candidates come in for an interview, one manager always asks what they know about the company. One,who has taken time to visit the web site of the company will just respond with out any hesitation.. and it's great. Others may not even know even what the company is doing. The interview board will appreciate that person who has done the research and know what is all about. § Hiring managers don't want to hear that you can do anything; instead, they want to know your passion. What position do you want with their company? So prepare. Prepare your look. Your listening skills. Your responses to frequently asked questions. Your company research. And your vision for the work you want to do. It will pay off in spades. Being relaxed and confident comes from preparation. I hope this will help you and others who visit this post! Wishing you a successful interview in future!
• India
27 Apr 07
I wish that you do a successful interview next time with out any frer!Whish you all the best!
2 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
it is very kind of you.I am so moved that I do not know what to say.I think everyone like me ,include those who visit this discussion will get help from what you said.thank you very much,I learn a lot from your words.
2 people like this
• United States
27 Apr 07
I usually get like that until I actually get into the interview. Once I am in there I usually do really well and get into great conversations. I usually get a job when I have made it to the personal interview session. I think one of the main things you have to do is remember that the person you are interviewing with is a person, just like you. If you try and find a little common ground, it can go a long way. And don't be scared of them as a "superior" or someone higher up than you, because they really aren't. Just talk to them like you would talk to a person on the street... with professional lingo, of course.
2 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
thank you for your advice.maybe my problem is just what you said.I always think the interviewer is higher than me.actually,my resume is very good,but after interview,I am always be passed.so I think maybe I should change myself first.
2 people like this
• India
27 Apr 07
good advice thanks.....
2 people like this
@cjthedog64 (1552)
• United States
28 Apr 07
I too get nervous in these situations. I think it's because of the unknown nature of the situation. If I know exactly what I'm talking about, I'm fine with strangers. But when I don't really know what the job is, and have to explain myself, good and bad, along with situations that the interviewer probably has no experience with, it flusters me. Other than trying to relax, not speak too quickly or too much, and learn about the company beforehand, I can't give you much advice. Good luck though!
2 people like this
• China
28 Apr 07
I can be very talktive with my friends,but do not know what to say when with some strangers,how strange!
1 person likes this
• Romania
27 Apr 07
me to i need an advice about this because i m very nervous when i go for an interview. I now what i must say but my body don't help me and i must concetrate much when i wait beafore to go inside. sometimes i eat or drink something to relax.i think we can not change this but this don t mens we can not have a good job . the problem is only beafore and when i start my job everything is ok .so let's think this is normal and we must pass to this :)
2 people like this
• Romania
27 Apr 07
not all time the person near us are good friends but in general is so.i don't now if we nust belive all what some people advice us because in this word are bad people and good people.depends of person.sorry for my english .i never learn in school this language but i do the best.anyway i m romanian and i say hello from my country
1 person likes this
• China
28 Apr 07
it does not matter,I can understand you and I think you are right.thank you !I think your English will have a good improvment in the near future.
2 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
you need not worry about it now,we are so lucky because there are so many good friends who give their own advices to us,I think they will help us a lot.do you think so?
3 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
Generally speaking,you should trust yourself.and prepare for every interview.pls see the interviewer's nose when you are in the front of him/her.Hope you have a good time.
2 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
thank you,I think I will next time!
2 people like this
@hmike_d (1529)
• Philippines
27 Apr 07
It seems to be usual specially those who were just newbie in that area. But then, it is more likely to develop self-confidence. An interviewer dont bite, he is just asking you questions to check your communication skills and abilities while matching your answers to their category and or while looking at your resume. During the interview, you need to present yourself as if you're you and don't have any doubts. Be cordial and real.
• China
27 Apr 07
thank you.I am not good at talking in daily life,so in interviews,I always keep silence or say a little words,so I have a poor impression to the interviewer.
2 people like this
@mskzalameda (4023)
• Philippines
28 Apr 07
At first yes I am a nervous since I will be the one doing the interview but now, I am starting to have courage on that for that is my future job. If I am the interviewee, yes. A big yes for that. I don't know what will be the questions asked on me but one thing's for sure, everything will be alright as long as I answer nothing but the truth. If in the end, it is still a flop, better luck next time. Next time is many and opportunities are very few. Just try and try and we will succeed ok? good luck!
• Philippines
28 Apr 07
Try to ask a friend some difficult questions and you will be an interviewer that way he he.. sounds easy huh.. but it's totally fun.. =)
• China
28 Apr 07
thank you! hope I will be an interviewer one day!
1 person likes this
• India
28 Apr 07
1. DRESS WELL, when you look good you exude confidence. 2. DON'T BE LATE, get there early so that you complete all your paperwork and have a time relaxing i.e having a cup of coffee or reading the magazine, as this will help you to calm down. 3. DON'T GO IN BLIND, know your company and have questions ready so that you fell more confident when you answer them their questions. 4. MOST IMPORTANT, smile and breath. if you're gonna get the job it'll be because you deserve it, and if you don't then it is their LOSS
2 people like this
@SatoNa (247)
• Indonesia
27 Apr 07
Same with me, I got nervous too for everything. even just for talking with my teacher! I have one idea to reduce our nervous. We have to think that we have to enjoy do this. Don't afraid to be get wrong. and Throw the negative thinking. Sometimes it works for me. I know it's very hard too. but if you try this and always do like this, you will think generally like this and reduce your nervous. ^^
• China
27 Apr 07
thank you,I will have a try,haha.hope one day I will be at the role of interviewer.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
27 Apr 07
How can I give you an advice? We have the same problem, my friend. Huhuhu! LOLS I already had so many interviews. The first time I was interviewed, I was really, really nervous. But the heck, its my first time, I thought, it's just normal. But after I had so many interviews, I wonder, why am I still nervous? Yeah, I will subscribe to this topic and I will also need answer to this question. Nice topic!
• China
27 Apr 07
thank you!hope others' advice above can help you .and I believe we will have improvment in the near future.
2 people like this
@youless (112113)
• Guangzhou, China
13 Jun 07
Sure, no matter how confident I'm, I still will feel nervous. So usually I will have a deep breath and try to relax myself. Keeping a smile for an interview is very important. Actually after a few minutes, I already get used to it and I won't be so nervous. As I focus to the interview.
• China
14 Jun 07
actually,I think confidence is very important in an interview,the employer will think we can do better if we have enough confidence.
• Philippines
28 Apr 07
hmmm... jst be yourself in front of them... think that they jst ordinay people you passby.. interview for job or entering university... dont be conscious to yourself and have confident to sell your ability... trust yourself you can do it!
• China
28 Apr 07
thank you and all others who pay attention to my problem and give me so many useful advice.I am so sorry because I can not add comment to each response.but I have rated every response with "+",thank you all my friends once again.
• Philippines
28 Apr 07
no problem! mylot is a place to have friends! no worries they will understand u!
@elanzers (27)
• Vietnam
27 Apr 07
I am very nervous in front of people, it makes me feel embrassed. That's because i fear that i say something wrong and i dont have any confident. Its so lame. Its makes me really depressed.
2 people like this
• China
27 Apr 07
we are the same person,haha.we need a change.believe yourself!
1 person likes this
@AKRao24 (27424)
• India
27 Apr 07
I think that you are too over concious about the interview and you are having pre determined ideas about the interview in your mind well before attending one! I have attended very few interviews so far a few for my job and couple of them in the University before I could get my Masters! Believe me so far I enjoyed al the interviews and I was so re;laxed and confident that practically in every interview I got through with the flying colours! In our undergraduation we used to have an subject called 'Extension' where we are taught how to deal with the masses and our professor always use to tell us , in any interview listen cartefully what an interviewer asking carefully and start your answer as if you are writing it down on the piece of paper. That is be formal and give complete answers. Example : If asked How old are you? Don't just answer bluntly, 25 or 30, instaed answer, Sior, I am 25 or 30 years old ! This thing definately helps you inkeepi9ng your self balanced and keeping yourself cool! This is just one point I have quoted from my professor, You can go to any site and have detailed information how to appwear for an interview! YUes you need to be raedy thoroughly with your subject and you should have atleast about 30 to 40 imaginary questions for yourself and their answers ready with you! You should also have the selected words ready to be used at appropriate place! Once having got prepared with this home work, then it is up to ypu how you give direction to your interview! I personally , almost every time I mended my interview in the direction I wanted. Your answers shoyuld be in such a fashion that the next question asked by the interviewr should autonmatically from your already decided questions! Never talk about the subject which you don't know and never try to do any guess work! If you don't know answer to any qwuerstion, then be precise and say sorry that you don't know thae answer as this type of approach leaves no neghative image in the minds of interviewer as he forgets that you have answered some thing in negative way! Your inability also become a positive factor here! Well it is very difficult to mention all the things what can make your interview sucessful , here! But in nut shell I think you should ber relaxed, directly talk to the indiviudual who asked you the question and at the same time please look into the eyes of others to see their response while answering a question! Be polite, courteous, be positive and remember interview is not a monologue it is a dialogue so try to have rapport with youye interviewer! Thanks, for initiatoing such a nice topic of discussion
• China
28 Apr 07
thank you! if I take an exam which uses pen to write down in the paper,I can have a highest score;but if it uses words to express my idea,then I will fail.how strange.I think maybe my expression is so bad.
• Philippines
27 Apr 07
I think what makes you nervous is the idea of anticipating all the questions. It is just but normal to be nervous at first but as you go along the interview, this nervousness show be lessened. Being nervous makes you panic and cannot answer well all the questions given. Here are smoe tips to overcome nervousness. You should organize your thoughts before going on an interview. You should also know by heart the contents of your resume and all the job descriptions of your previous jobs. Another thing is you should talk firm and don't do any arm movements or make any untoward actions like playing with the pen or holding something while talking.Interviewers may think that you are nervous and not confident. Listen carefully to the questions and think first before answering. In this way you will be confident enough to answer and your thoughts wouldn't be roaming inside the room. Look them straight in the eye and always be positive about life and previous jobs. Knowing yourself, studying the scope of the position applied, knowing also about the company and its challenges will be tool for yuo to overcome nervousness and become confident. be honest if you have no idea of the matter. It will only make you look stupid if you answer incorrectly. Goodluck and be confident!
1 person likes this
• China
28 Apr 07
haha,when take some examination,I will be nervous at first ,but calm down later.unfornately,when haveing an interview,I always can not calm down.thank you for your impatiate advice.
• China
28 Apr 07
I've graduated at july, 2005,after that I begin to find job,to join in job interview one by one.every time I feel very nervous, and don't know what should I say,how can I answer the interviewer's question perfecty,so most times,I go their with happy mood and bad mood went home,At one time,I begun to doubt whether I can live with myself,but,after a time,a company gave me a call ,let me attend their's interview,now I have worked at this company for nearly 1 year and I'm so happy with that,I want to say ,whenever doubt yourself,one must trust own abilities,so that,you will have a shining fulture.
1 person likes this
@gizmo528 (731)
• United States
28 Apr 07
I have the same problem. I've never, never been big on public speaking whether it's a classroom, auditorium, or even an interview situation. I hate it because I can feel my whole body get hot, I can feel the heat rising in my face and I'll start to babble no matter how hard I try not to. So far, I've gotten the jobs I've been interview for but it doesn't seem to be getting any easier. We need a support group!
1 person likes this
• China
28 Apr 07
you can read some advices given above by our dear friends,hope we will have a change in the near future.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Apr 07
hehehehhe i want also to remove my nervous factor in an interview. hehehehe but i think it's common to people who engage in these acts for the first time.
1 person likes this
• Malaysia
13 Jun 07
i hate going to interviews! although i have gone to a number of interviews but it still gives me butterflies in my stomach. i'm afraid if they'll ask tough questions or IQ questions that i don't know how to answer haha. i always think i did badly in an interview and wouldn't have such high hopes on getting the job. but sometimes it doesn't turn out that way:D ..good luck and all the best^_^
1 person likes this
• China
14 Jun 07
we can not avoid this kind of interview as long as we want to get a job.what we can do is just improving ourselves.good luck.