Interviews can be a source of great anxiety for many people. It can be intimidating to be put on the spot and asked questions that you may not have an immediate answer to. It is normal to feel nervous in an interview situation, but it is important to remember that the interviewer is just trying to get to know you better. It is important to take a deep breath, stay calm, and be prepared. Doing research about the company and the position you are applying for can help you feel more confident and prepared for the interview. Additionally, practice answering common interview questions with a friend, your mentor or your coach to help you feel more comfortable and confident when the time comes. Common interview questions typically focus on your qualifications and experience. Employers may ask about your education and previous job experience. Today most questions in an interview are behavioural based questions. Usually an interview for a job in the private sector is potentially more in form of a dialog whereas interviews for public sector roles are very structured and you may even get time beforehand to answer questions. The purpose of behavioural questions is to find out what skills and abilities you bring to the job you are applying for. Some recruiters still ask about your strengths and weaknesses, so it's best to have a good answer for this question. The most points you can score with talking about challenges you have faced in the past and how you solved them. Extra questions may be about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. Finally, they may ask about your availability and willingness to travel or relocate for the job, especially in the private sector in international or interstate companies. At the end of every interview you will have the opportunity to ask questions yourself, so be ready with some good questions when it's your turn.
Overall overcoming fear of interviews can be a difficult task, but it is achievable. The first step is to be prepared. Research the company and the position you are applying for, practice answering common interview questions, and prepare questions to ask your interviewer. Additionally, it is important to practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and positive self-talk. These can help to reduce anxiety and remind you of your strengths and abilities.
Finally, it is important to remember that the interviewer is just another person, and that they are just doing their job. Also as much as the interviewer wants to find out if you’re a good match for the job and their company, you also get to choose whether the energy of this meeting resonates with you. How the interviewers treat you will be the company’s first impression on you. Keeping this in mind can empower you, help to reduce the fear of the unknown and make the interview process much more manageable.
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