How do you remain calm at interviews? Please help.?

Question

I graduated 1.5 months ago with a BS in Materials Engineering. I have 2 job interviews next week. About 3-4 people will be in the room interviewing me (at each interview).

My problem is I get nervous at interviews and begin to stutter. I can't annunciate, I can't think of words to say, I begin repeating things over and over. Needless to say, I get really embarassed and upset.

These interviews are a chance to get a really great job. I really need your advice and help on how to handle an interview.

Thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate.

Answer 1

First of all, stop freaking out - it only leads to more freaking out! Think positive, you have a lot to say and you just need to manage more closely HOW you say it. Basic tips:

1. Get to the interview very early and hang around in the lobby to get comfortable and make sure you feel like you "belong" there (or at least belong in the lobby). you don' t need the added stress of being late and it is very easy to avoid.

2. Take your time when you answer. Take a deep breadth and think through the basic points you'd like to convey.

3. Stalling tactics like "can you repeat the question" work to help you get your feet under you, but better still is a clarifying "so I make sure I answer exactly what you are asking...and then restate their question in a slightly different way or somehow ask for clarification. This will show them that you are listening (most people dont) and give a **** about answering the right question.

4. Make eye contact with each of the panel members as you answer, but more/most contact with the person who asked the questions.

5. If you get into real trouble and keep repeating. Stop! Take a deep breadth and explain that you know that an area you need to improve upon is your interviewing skills and that you hope the committee sees your nerves not as a weakness, but as an indication of how important this job is to you and the fact that you recongnize this shortcoming as a sign of maturity through introspection - I'm not sure about his last piece of advice as it is risky, but I'd like to hear it if I were on the panel.

6. Practice. There are boiler plate quesitons that you should be able to receit in your sleep. When you hear one of those, that should give you strenght. Wind up and knock that **** out of the park.

Good luck - you'll do great.

Answer 2

The problem is, your mindset is not right. You're walking into the room thinking that they'll not like you for you, and it's the opposite. You're certainly qualified with that degree, so sit down and tell them the facts. You're qualified. You're a good worker. You know your stuff. When they ask you questions, don't hesitate to wait and compose your thoughts. You're not graded on how quickly you answer, and uncomfortable silences are okay in an interview as long as you don't pause a lot in mid-sentence. If you make a mistake while speaking, say "excuse me," pause, collect your thoughts, then begin from where you started.

There's no real way to make sure you're not nervous. The best way is just to remember that they're people like you. They've been in your chair and they'll understand a little nervousness. Be businesslike, professional, and courteous. Look them in the eye and, with your thoughts already composed, tell them what they need to hear. There's no way you can't succeed with that attitude.

Answer 3

Why not try some practice interviews so you can get ready for the questions you may be asked? If you have gone over some basic questions before hand "what are your strengths and weaknesses? Why did you choose your major? What kinds of projects have you handled at previous employers?" then you may not be as nervous. Keep in mind that you have some great qualities to offer an employer, try to answer what they ask and not go overboard on answering. You want to give them information but not ramble. I usually try and keep my hands on the arms of the chair or on the handles of the chair to keep them cool so they aren't clammy and sweaty when I get up to shake hands at the end of the interview. Don't fidgit in your chair or wiggle around a lot as it makes you look like you have to go to the bathroom. Take your time in answering the questions, it's not a race. If you need a minute to consider what you want to say, go ahead and take. That may give you time to take a deep breath and relax a little bit as well. Smile! Good luck!

Answer 4

I was like that too. I think the best way is to practice. The best practice would be from actually interviews but since you have not had any yet get a friend or family member to pretend that they are interviewing you and you pretend that you are at an actual interview. The more you practice the less nervous you will be when you go for the actual one. Good luck!

Answer 5

Many of these answers are good tips, but what will ultimately help you in the end is experience. You may not get that first job you interview for, or the fifth, but you will become more confident after you have been through the process a few times. Once you know what to expect and realize that everything in your life isn't riding on this one moment it will get much easier for you. Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm interviewing right now, too. I tend to babble when I'm nervous (not good!).

I have been picturing the questions and consciously thinking of myself answering the question they asked without getting off onto tangents.

I also imagined myself completely at ease and relaxed.

I also ensured I wasn't harried by making sure I had all my papers needed and that I showed up early.


Today during an interview I finally did it! I was eerily calm. I established a rapport with the interviewer, smiled and laughed, but not my hideous nervous laugh.

I took a breath before answering questions -- not a big air swallow, just a breath. Then, I answered the questions just as asked. When I elaborated, I made a conscious effort to decide to do it.

The lady invited me to go onto round two!

Anyway, I hope my tips work for both of us as we move forward!!!

Sincerely, good luck!!!!

Answer 7

Yes, you need the job but by getting so over-amped you are self defeating. Just think that the interviewer is a person just as you are, so for what reason self-sabotage???? Relax and try to be yourself and let the true you flow out!

Answer 8

Go to this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=13 on the Stuttering Foundation of America's website and print the brochure. Take it with you when you go for an interview.

Answer 9

Always remember that when you go to an interview, you're not the only one in the room. The company has to do their part to impress you and try to sell their company to you asl well. So don't be nervous, just be yourself cuz you're not just the interviewee, you're the interviewer as well.

Answer 10

I am a stuttereer as well, I found the more I knew about the company and the more I practiced what I was going to say the better I did. KNOW YOUR STUFF ! that brings peace