I don't perform well at job interviews, no matter what I do. What else can I do?

Question

I cannot think of what to say so say yes and yep when they ask me something. I have to carefully think out what to say and when I say it, it is not very confident.

No amount of preparation makes me any better at this. The more I prepare, the more nervous they say I am.

I try very hard to do well but they say I do not have communication skills, or I am too nervous or unprepared. I take all the criticism on to try and learn but it always turns out the same.

I try and dress nicely, smile and be nice but no matter what I do it does not work. They are sizing me up and I feel intimidated. In the end I don't end up going to the interview. It is far too stressful for me. I would rather not work at all, because it is all too much for me but need to.
What can I do?

Answer 1

Simply remember, the people interviewing you are just people. Talk to them like they were your co-worker, since that's obviously what you want them to be. Don't fret over every detail of what's going on. Don't be afraid to joke a little too. It relaxes you and shows a personable side to the interviewer that they are wanting to see. As far as getting nervous and not knowing what to say, I make little cheat cards of common questions and go over them some right before the interview that way the information is fresh in my mind.

Just remember, all you have to do is sell yourself. Think about what you want them to remember about you when you leave and make damn sure they do. A good appearance, handshakes, and everything else are just icing on the cake.

Answer 2

I second the suggestion to work through a temp agency for a while. It will get you used to dealing with different bosses and help improve your resume.

For interviews, write down lists of your accomplishments and what you've done in what jobs. It's better to pull out a list and use it as a guide than to have no back-up when you blank out on a question.

Also, whenever possible, get the interviewer talking. If you can find a connection, it will help reduce the stress. Plus, if you show an interest in listening to the interviewer, that will make a good impression.

Finding someone else who has trouble with interviews and doing "mock" interviews of each other could help.

There are various websites that give information about interview skills.

Answer 3

Three things you can do:

1) Offer to intern for a week. People will accept free help, and they can see if they like you.

2) Temp with a temporary help agency. You go to work at a place where they need help, and if they need to hire someone, they'll hire you first rather than have to try out someone they don't know. And you get paid, too.

3) Join Toastmasters: www.toastmasters.org. They'll help you learn how to speak in an interview and not to be nervous.

Answer 4

This is what I like to do..and it works!
Before you go into the interview(at home), think of a time someone told you that you couldn't do something, and you went out and gave it everything to prove them wrong, and you did it :). Hold that thought. Then just before the interview, think it all over again. It will help you feel more confident and accomplished before it, and will reflect good thoughts upon you as you are in the interview.