Many who are certified as graduates still don’t get jobs or find it difficult to put themselves out there in the field. One might think that it results from poor credibility based on academic records or a stench of bad luck. This is not true.
Jobs aren’t granted to many because they are unable to get a pass during an interview because they are nervous. It is now a question of how not to be nervous for an interview. Or Is it a question of whether Interviews are hard to scale through? Perhaps it’s for a selected few to pass? No!
Along with this article, all will be stated how what an interview is all about and how one can be able to pass an interview and get that dream job easily.
Table of contents
- What Is An Interview?
- How To Not Be Nervous For An Interview
- 1. Being Nervous is Okay
- 2. Create a sense of mutualism in the interview
- 3. Anticipate the interview questions
- 4. The fear is shared
- 5. Careful about what you eat or drink
- 6. Chew gum
- 7. Speak Calmy
- 8. Don’t be a Fake
- 9. Don’t rush the process
- 10. Deep breathing for relaxation
- 11. Exercise body language
- 12. Listen
- Conclusion
What Is An Interview?
An Interview has many definitions as it stands, but one should understand first that an interview is not a monologue but a dialogue. In several cases,
an interview can exist with over two members involved. According to Wikipedia, An Interview is a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee. It is also known to be a form of oral session where one party is being questioned by the other to access the service’s credibility.
An interview usually takes place face-to-face, but the parties sometimes are separated geographically, as in videoconferencing or telephone interviews. Interviews almost always involve spoken conversations between two or more parties.
Sometimes, a “conversation” can happen between two persons who type questions and answers. An interview has more or less been recognized simply as a procedure designed to get information from a person through oral responses to oral inquiries.
Why Is An Interview Necessary?
Undoubtedly, an interview is of extreme value and importance when it comes down to the employee selection process. An employee needs an interview to be in effect to ensure the applicant’s skills, personality and overall experience meet the job requirements.
All this is aimed at attaining full performance efficiency when given a task.
An interview is necessary for an expert to identify who is efficient and who is not. It helps the employer to assess the personality of the person to know the best sector the individual can function a lot more effectively. There are many necessities attached to the existence of an interview. Some of these necessities are;
1. Identification of the Confidence level of the individual
Many are very skilled at carrying out a task but fail because of the inability to communicate effectively with clients. It’s usually one of the prime qualities sort after by employers.
2. Identification of Quality of Response
How an interview is answered most times tells the employer the level of understanding the applicant has for the job he or she is applying for. This helps to have a firm judgment on how the applicant might function if he or she is given the job.
3. The body language and the smartness of the individual
A good question roams the interviewer’s mind “How smart is this person?” and “how does he present himself in front of others?” i.e., the body language of
the person is witnessed through the process of the interview.
4. Attain Clarity beforehand
Interviews exist to clarify everything beforehand between the employees and the company. It’s very important to avoid any form of misunderstanding. Making it essential that there should be enough flexibility during the interview process. During the
interview, one can speak out his or her heart but not in any other method like
writing. It is for these reasons that an Interview should be exercised. These assessment criteria need to be known; otherwise, the non-efficient employees would take the lead, leaving behind the efficient and deserving ones.
How To Not Be Nervous For An Interview
The thought of finding oneself amid such scrutiny during an interview makes many individuals fail from their mindset and lose confidence during an interview. Below will
relay 12 tips that would help one escape such tension.
1. Being Nervous is Okay
One needs to understand that interviews are for their benefit, a way for an applicant to express his or her mind. When an applicant develops the ability to keep the interviewer interested for more, he or she is most likely to get the job.
With the brain engaged and senses heightened, you can engage smoothly, and the interviewer wouldn’t just have enough of the applicant. But this can only happen when the applicant understands his situation and just is flexible with his mind.
In addition, interviewers will expect to see some nerves as this shows enthusiasm and a desire to get the job. A candidate who presents at a cool and laid back job interview will be less likely to succeed, as the interviewer will assume they are not interested enough in the role.
2. Create a sense of mutualism in the interview
An Interview sometimes could seem so random regarding what may be thrown at the applicant, but switching up every reply in such a way the interviewer can relate could help.
Moreover, by preparing properly and practicing repeatedly, one will create a mutual sense of the question asked. The interviewer would identify not just the ability to create a sync but also acknowledge the applicant’s knowledge in the field.
3. Anticipate the interview questions
The applicant should put his or her mind to rest before an interview. This is very essential as one should be ready to face whatever questions they might throw him or her and should endeavor to give a solid and positive response without flinching.
A lack of preparation will most likely increase one’s natural apprehension about the event and make nerves harder to overcome.
It’s of utmost importance to remember everyone experiences some panic or fear before an interview.
Among many are only a few who are always bursting with courage and do not feel some tension; Actors and Actresses, Reality TV stars, and professional receptionists all succumb to nerves and all have their way of coping and getting on with the job.
5. Careful about what you eat or drink
What you eat and drink before an interview plays a big part in how your nerves manifest themselves.
Avoid choking up on excessive protein foods and caffeinated drinks before an interview. There must be a rest of body’s metabolism for comfort and fluency during the interview.
6. Chew gum
Some experts advise that chewing a stick of gum can smooth out any jangling nerves, but remember to dispose of it discretely well before encountering anyone in your potential place of employment, as this is not a good look for a first meeting.
Steadily chewing gum during the interview will show a sign of disrespect and lack of courtesy.
7. Speak Calmy
Most times when we speak in public, our nerves make us speed up, so while waiting for an interview, one must take a deep breath through their nostrils slowly and release swiftly, having this repeated several times.
In that time, you will have significantly lowered your heart rate and you’ll find you won’t rush when you speak.
Doing this helps one to reduce the tension in the chest due to heavy and rapid breathing due to panic and mental stress.
8. Don’t be a Fake
It’s very important as an individual to meet other people. You try to be yourself and not try to be someone you are not. This helps one to come out confident, calm, and authentic. So, enjoy the interview and be proud of your achievements.
You’re already on the shortlist, so they must think highly of you. Remember to slow down, listen and be yourself. If you do that, you’ll be relaxed, authentic, and confident. This is one of the biggest steps to achieving what you want from people.
9. Don’t rush the process
Rushing an interview process is just simply an avenue for failure. There is no need to hasten the process. The body will be in a state of fright, whereby words will be spun out sporadically, and regrets will fall in place afterward. It’s okay to take it slow. Hesitate a bit before answering a question.
Think about the relayed inquiry before making a response. It doesn’t show a sign of inexperience; it shows a sign of improved cognitive ability.
The mind beholds the information, and the mouth speaks thereof. If out of anxiety, words are spoken, there is the likelihood of making statements that could hinder the passing of the interview.
10. Deep breathing for relaxation
Athletes or performers often use breathing exercises before an event, and they help, not only to focus the mind but also to get more oxygen into the body and give you a slight physiological lift. Keep in mind they are on your side
It is a simple mind hack to set a belief in your mind that the interviewer is interested in you and wants to work with you. Your interviewers will know you are nervous and will allow for this.
Our team of researchers has identified that many individuals miss out on their interviews because of being nervous. However, we have seen candidates lose out because they were too relaxed and came across as uninterested.
11. Exercise body language
Avoid unnecessary anxiety, as it only stirs up the possibility of making errors in speech and body signatures.
Have an erected posture exercising confidence and rest of mind,
Display a sense of joy and eagerness towards the interview as it passes a warm feeling of credibility to the interviewer.
If you suffer from either sweaty or cold hands, simply pop into the bathroom before the interview, wash your hands and dry them, and get yourself warm and relaxed.
At an interview, you want to come across as confident, so you should stand or sit straight without slouching and of course, smile.
12. Listen
It so happens that many individuals believe it is all about their response but cannot take heed that the questions are never answered because they ignore the interviewer but focus more on what they could say next.
When we’re crippled with fear and in full flight or fight mode, we find it hard to listen and answer a question incorrectly. So try to slow down your body’s natural responses and listen. it will also help to make the other person feel special and show you value their question.
Conclusion
Passing an interview is not rocket science. It requires a calm and organized state of mind and well-being to respond effectively. Being direct to the relayed questions and flexible with ideas and perspectives toward various topics.
It shows you have a mind of your own and knowledge of self-worth. Looking at the above tips, We hope you have gained some value from these and please feel free to reach out in the comment section below if the need arises.
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