Sincere advise for nervous interviewee?

Question

I recently applied for a promotion (which the hiring supervisor directly asked me to apply for) but I still have to go through the interview process...which I absolutely suck at! I get SO nervous, I trip over my words, I nearly hyperventilate before going in, cant think of answers on the spot like that.....Please advise on how to stay calm and what are good answers for "what type of people do you least like working with", "what makes you stand out amongst your peers" "best and worst qualities" thanks so much!

Answer 1

You probably have heard thousands of tips on how not to be nervous and still you go there and it happens again. Excellent. This is one of your stand-out qualities and you have shown consistency in performing it. You can write it down "I'm nervous during interviews!" ... and I'm good at it. This statement goes right away into your list of statements.

Here comes one more from the list of thousand tips: write as many short statements as you wish (but less than 50) that answer potential promotional interview questions. You already have listed two. By the way, my answer will be 'i dislike annoying people who repeatedly ask the same question but I'll help them each and every time because how otherwise would they learn the right way of doing it' and "...and that's how i stand-out" ;)
You can check monster.com for what other potential questions you can expect.

Now. you are ready and you enter the interview with your list handy. At each and every question you can check your cheat sheet. If there is a situational question you can find at least two statements in your list that combined give you the answer.

Wouldn't it be too embarrassing to show up in front of interviewer with pre-answered questions. Not at all. You have done your homework, you have acknowledged your strengths and you have prepared yourself ... one more reason to give you that promotion.

Have a good one.

Answer 2

I feel your pain. Just remember that your nervousness is just a physical response to how much you really care about doing well and getting that position.

This may seem cheezy, but no kidding, Buy the Everything Job Interview Book:

http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Job-Interview-Book/dp/1580624936

It gives you good answers to questions like these. Don't try to memorize them; just glean the types of responses tend to be best, and why. The rest comes naturally.

Oh, and do make sure you know your stuff technically (and I assume you do because you were picked for the promotion). Use every question to bring your interviewer back to what you know and can do well. This is especially important if you're the only one interviewing for the promotion from inside the organization. Take every opportunity to remind them why your institutional knowledge gives you the edge. Even so-called personality questions are not 100% about personality.

Do this, and you'll be way ahead of the competition. Good luck!

p.s., if your read the Everything Job Interview Book, you'll see why some of the responses in the advice above sound good, but are definite no-no's.

Answer 3

No caffeine before your interview, try to build up some self confidence before you go in, deep breath and yes be prepared and practiced. What types of people do you least like working with? I would say lazy, because you think everyone should pull there own weight. Combative, because a smoothly ran and cooperative work place is important and you always try to avoid conflict. What are your best qualities an a human being? those human qualities are the same qualities that will shine through in your work. Some good ones employer's are always looking for are: Loyal, ambitious, cooperative, friendly, organized, punctual, perfectionist, good humored and polite. Good luck!

Answer 4

I would say try imagining yourself as the "interviewer." What would you be impressed by. It may sound silly, but role play for a moment and think of yourself as the one on the other side of the desk. Would you be impressed by someone who's jittery and nervous and babbling? or would you like to see someone calm and confident. So be the person you'd like to see. Since I don't know you, I can't offer any suggestions on what makes you stand out amongst your peers, or your best or worst qualities... only you know what they really are. So think about them, if necessary write them down so you don't forget key points. Remember that person interviewing you was once interviewed by someone else and they probably felt just as nervous. He or she is just a human being... just like you. Also, try not to toot your own horn if possible, it's best to quote the nice things that others say about you, for instance something like - "I'm very proud of the fact that my superiors frequently compliment me on my professionalism" or something like that. I always hated hearing people brag about how good they are. If you are indeed that good, you don't have to tell people. Good luck and if all else fails, picture them naked.

Answer 5

I will think of it this way, if I am in your position. Since hiring supervisor ask you to go for it, I am sure there is a lot that he/she likes about you. be confident that you will get it and think of it this way, you work with them every day so that you just act like you are talking to them usual not as an interview. least like people are the one that not doing their job. you know your responsibilities very well so that you fit the best. think about a lot of best qualities and just one of worst which also give highlight of your best qualities. good luck!!!!

Answer 6

I least like working with people who are critical of others (those who gossip)
or
people who dont LEARN from their mistakes (we are all going to make them it is an important component to a persons character to see what people do AFTER mistakes are made)...
your worst quality is your very low tolerance for gossip and back stabbing
for people who are late and dont take their jobs seriously as evidenced by the work that they put out.

what makes you stand among your peers is a hard one for someone to help you with because only you know this answer.....
practice will help you with your nervousness....
YOu will do fine.
NO one would have asked you to apply if they did not think that you could do the work!