A
female
age
30-35,
*hepsychedelicone
writes:Hey everyone, I'm new to this and I have a problem that no one seems to take seriously.I'm a temp at work and looking for another job before my contract runs out (that and commuting 20+ miles every day is terrible) I've been looking, sending CVs everywhere and had a few responses. But the problem is my nerves. At an interview I find it difficult to answer questions I'm usually completely unprepared for. It's really hard because I need another job! It's got the point today that when I had a telephone interview I hung up because I just found it so hard to keep calm.Anyone got any advice?
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male
reader, dirtball  +, writes (1 December 2010):
 A couple of other points that I know others have mentioned but they should be mentioned again.
- Research the company. Not only go in knowing something about what they do, but if possible stop by before your interview day and take note of what people are wearing and dress appropriately for the interview. I work in a suit and tie environment and you'd be surprised by the number of people who show up in jeans and a t-shirt for an interview.
- Ask at least one question. Most interviewers will prompt you for questions at the end of the interview. You should either ask about something you spoke about during the interview, or ask a more general question about the company that you've prepared before hand. This shows attentiveness during the interview as well as knowledge about the company.
- Show up early but not too early. 10-15 minutes is OK, 20-30 is bad. For some reason it puts interviewers on edge if someone shows up too early. Show that you understand the importance of scheduling by showing up at the appropriate time.
- Bring a bottle of water with you and ask if they mind that you have it. All that talking can lead to a dry mouth and many HR people will offer you something, but it's best to be prepared for if they don't. However, you want to ask if it's ok so as not to offend or look too casual.
- Bring multiple copies of your resume along. They may have a copy already, but they may not have it with them. If you plan on referencing anything on it, then it's best to have a copy for the interviewer and anyone they may have accompanying them.
_______________________________
Hahaha, I bet all these tips have you stressing even more trying to remember all these pointers. All of this stuff is meant to help but really the most important thing you can do in any interview is be honest and be yourself. Hell, that deserves it's own bullet point. Since we can't bold text I'll have to caps lock it.
- BE HONEST AND BE YOURSELF
A
male
reader, dirtball +, writes (1 December 2010):
Interviewing is one of those things that has never been a problem for me. Part of the reason is that I go in convinced that the job is mine and I don't care what they think. I am very honest in my interviews and never say what I think they want to hear, but instead how I actually feel about what they are asking. For some reason, it works for me. Then again, I'm quick on my feet, so I rarely get shaken by a question. Here are a couple of bullet points for you.
- If you can't answer a question say that you're having difficulty coming up with an answer and ask if it's ok to come back to it. Most interviewers will be ok with coming back to something later.
- Be honest. Interviewers know when you're saying what you think they want to hear.
- Rate yourself truthfully. Use examples to demonstrate your point. If you say you're a quick learner, have a story to back that statement up.
When I conduct interviews, I include questions with no right or wrong answer. It is a way for me to get a sense of the person's personality. Things like: If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who and why? I also eliminate anyone who comes of as false.
FWIW, I got my current position by basically saying I know absolutely nothing about the job. I was honest that if I received the position that training would be very necessary. When they asked questions I didn't know the answer to, I stated that I didn't know, but I also offered some thoughts on the topic. Guess what, I got the job. And I got it over people far more experienced than me. I'm convinced it was because of how clearly honest I was being.
An interview is only a formality. Treat the job like it's already yours and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Best of luck finding a new job!
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A
female
reader, largentsgirl89 +, writes (1 December 2010):
 Be prepared. Have someone you know that is close to you, friend or family, run a practice interview with you. It gives you a chance to practice and after a while you can become comfortable with it.
At a job interview it's not just you being interviewed, it's also a chance for you to interview the people you will be working for. How they dress and talk to you; the questions they are asking all give way to how the job will be.
Don't fidget with things. Don't play with your hair (studies show that people who wear their hair in pony tails are found by employers to be more professional) and look them straight in the eye. You are letting them know why they should hire you and not the other million applicants that they have on your list.
Good luck.
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A
female
reader, petina1 +, writes (1 December 2010):
 After youve sent your CV off and this gets looked at, you will then be sent for an interview. Can you imagine how many people apply for jobs, they only wean out the ones with the best CV's so that should get you over the first hurdle of confidence by being proud that they want to see you. What i have done usually is write down 10 questions that I would like to ask them because they usually say at the end. 'have you anything you'd like to ask'.. So i say can i just get my notes out and they like you to ask questions it shows you are interested in the job. Basic things like Is there chance of learning other aspects of the job, or how long does the initial training usually last etc. Anything really that related to the job you are going for. Is there any overtime, shows you are willing. If you buy a new outfit for the interview you will feel smart and fresh and that in its self can give you more confidence knowing you are looking good. Something smart and not too dressy like you are meaning business. Get there about 15 minutes early and read any notes you have on the position. Have a look on the internet for tips on a good interview, there should be loads of things to learn there. If you are having a telephone interview, keep all your notes by the side of it, they don't know you have them there they can't see what you have. Good luck!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (1 December 2010): Have you tried doing a practice interview with a friend or someone you're comfortable with? It's good to practice as much as you can and to get feed back from people who'll be honest with you.
Look up on the internet about interview skills. There's plenty of advice on there and they have the questions that interviewers typically ask.
The more prepared you are the less nervous you'll be.
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A
female
reader, DrPsych +, writes (1 December 2010):
 Preparation is the key to this. Most people hate interviews. You have to remember that if the person interviewing you is aggressive or highly critical or anything overtly negative, it is a sure sign the job would be terrible. Interviews are a 2-way street about you working out if you want the job as much as them working out if they wish to employ you. Having said that, awkward questions can be a real pest! The secret is to find out about the company and the job you are applying for - not difficult in the internet age. If you get questions you don't know the answer to then you can use what you know about the company to get through. It also makes you stand out as the candidate who bothered to find out what the company does, their aims for the future etc. You also need to deal with your anxiety in job interviews by reminding yourself that the people before you are complete strangers. If you don't get the job, you will never see them again. It is a bit like actors curing stage-fright by focusing on just one person in the audience.
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A
female
reader, dmartin89 +, writes (1 December 2010):
 Be prepared!
Know yourself and your strengths and weaknesses.
Know everything about the job you are applying for. Dress smartly, being over smart is better than being undersmart. Feel confident that you can do the job. Take time with your answers, they know that some people are nervous.
Think of a quality that puts you in a better position to do the job than other candidates. Act like you have the job already.
Good luck!
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