What do I do about getting nervous in job interviews?

Question

I think everything is great & then I don't get hired. I can be nervous & then later I think about things I said and wonder if I appeared really stupid. What can I do? I have 2 interviews lately that I thought were great & then I didn't get hired and I only can set and worry about what I did wrong.

Answer 1

For interview tips see the following:
http://www.creativegroup.com/InterviewTips
http://www.job-interview.net/
http://interview.monster.com
http://www.collegegrad.com/intv/

Mock Job Interviews -- Includes the job description, a practice question set, answer tips, and interview resources based on actual job openings. http://www.job-interview.net/sample/Demosamp.htm

How to Interview -- Offers articles and advice on job interviewing. http://www.howtointerview.com

WetFeet.com: Interviewing -- A selection of articles from experts about action plans, decoding the inteview process, cheat sheets, body language, and much more. http://www.wetfeet.com/advice/interviewing.asp

Yahoo! HotJobs: Interview Tips -- A selection of useful articles, essays, and advice for job-seekers. http://www.hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview

Types of Job Interviews -- Brief primer by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D, from Quintessential Careers. http://www.quintcareers.com/job_interviews.html

JobWeb: Resumes & Interviews -- Information on resumes and interviews, cover letters, and provides useful links to other sites. http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/default.htm

Answer 2

well in advance, be prepared. thoroughly go over the interview and the things they might say and you might say. and don't talk too much. the less you go on about something, the less stupid you look- unless you've got a stellar resume.
remember, they want to hire you, and you have no real reason to be nervous.
but, be FULLY prepared.

Then, do not think about it again until it is time for the interview.
Even until right up to the minute of the appointment don't think about.

When you go in, imagine that the interviewer is your aunt or uncle, or an old family friend of your parents.
This will help you to "be yourself" and not become as nervous, but to some extent, its normal- and only you can keep from saying stuff that will make you look stupid.

Answer 3

Prepare for it by writing down for yourself a personal inventory. Think about past accomplishments, work and personal experience that you can use to convince someone you would be able to effectively handle the challenges of the position they are considering you for.

Have a friend conduct a few mock interviews with you and make yourself answer those dreaded standard interview questions. You might even want to sketch out a few standard answers ahead of time.

Unless you are naturally unintimidated by interviews you'll never entirely get over the nervousness -- but you can help yourself a lot by preparing yourself for it.

Don't agonize too much about them after the fact -- as someone who frequently does interviewing & hiring, I can tell you that most people don't hold nervousness, etc. again you -- its the interviewers job to find ways to get the information they need from you to evaluate you as a future employee and not to rate you on how well you interview.

Good-Luck.

Answer 4

Was in management for 12 years and did the hiring for my company. When going to your interview, the first impression is the most important. When meeting your interviewer, a firm handshake is the first thing you should do. It signifies that you are a confident person and are sure of yourself. Direct eye contact is also very important.

Think about what questions you have been asked in the
past and prepare yourself for giving those answers. Be confident.

Also, before your interview, write down a list of questions that you many have for the interviewer. It shows that you have interest in the company you are applying for.

Attire is also very important. I've seen people come in with holey jeans and untucked shirts. They've even brought their friends with them. Not good. Be professional and most of all self confident.

At the closing of your interview, be sure to give that firm hand shake again and thank the interviewer. Follow up with them within the next couple of days to show that you are interested. Don't wait for them to call you.

Good luck to you!

Answer 5

Ok, first, always be yourself yet professional and honest.
You can have some fun in interviews so being yourself is great and the true you will pour through.

Second, always dress better than what the position requires. Shows professionalism.

Third, eat a mint or chew mint gum right before your interview and get rid of it before the interview. Fresh breath is a plus.

Fourth, Don't wear excessive jewelry, makeup, or crazy hair. Less is more.

Hope this helps you in the future.

Answer 6

I know I do, and I think it's natural. What I've found is even the best interviewees and even the interviewers will give themselves some criticism on what they said or how they went about conducting the interview. Just don't be too down on yourself, and try to use your analysis to improve each time.

Answer 7

Do practice interviews with friends...You won't lose anything by calling the person you interviewed with and asking them..at that time you may also say that you would like to be considered if there are any future openings.

Answer 8

Try to stay calm. that is the hard one, it takes practice. don't be to bubbly. answer with to the point answers. speak with confidence. don't fidget. make eye contact. pay attention to what your interviewer is saying. nod occaionally is to say you agree. dress professional. wear you hair back. not a lot of make up. wear neutral colors. have short unpainted nails. after you get hired then you can let your personality shine through. right now the objective is to get hired.

Answer 9

I guess u would have had shown your bad body language...because when all goes wellits not all....there r many things in a interview...such a confidence level,leadership quallity,team adaptability,efficency...check for all ur stats...u will figure it out urself

Answer 10

be positive and wright down youre mistakes, then when another one comes, fill in the mistakes, and act like youre what they want. And dont dress like a circus clown