Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?
Your Employment Questions Answered: Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?
Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be.
While you may be confident in your abilities, job experience, and education, you can still feel nervous before a job interview. You will need to walk into an unfamiliar setting and give your best first impression. You may have a lot at stake and think the job you are going for would be perfect for you and your lifestyle. You can have a lot riding on the interview. All of this can make you nervous, but what can you do about it to prepare?
Question: Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?
I am a nurse with several degrees, BSN, MSN, and RNC. I have a wealth of experience from my time in the clinic, to bedsides, to vaccination clinics. I am fluent in teaching and charge nursing and have spent a lot of time in women’s and infant care. I was able to get an interview for an assistant nurse manager position. During my career, I have also found myself in different leadership roles. I have spoken at the local school board meetings and am involved in the PTA and I love problem-solving. I am also very social and yet I am super nervous about this interview. Do you have any tips to help?
Answer: Nervous Before an Interview? Any Tips?
Going to a job interview can be nerve-wracking for anyone. Even the most prepared person out there. Here are some things to keep in mind for a smoother interview experience.
- Remember, you do have a lot to offer. Don’t sell yourself short. You not only have the education, but you also have the experience and the skills.
- Go in with confidence in yourself and your abilities. That will show in the interview.
- Practice the interview with a friend or a family member. Go over possible questions and prepare yourself for what you may be asked at the interview. Practice will help with nervousness.
- Go in prepared to talk about what your strengths are and what you can bring to the position.
- Figure out what might trip you up. What are you most nervous about? What can you go over before the interview to help with this nervousness?
- Know the job you are applying for. Understand the position and the company. This will help build that confidence going into the interview.
You should also check out these articles on Career Recon to help you prepare for your interview:
- Military Employment Guide: Interviewing and Follow Up
- Military Employment Guide: Interview Preparation
- Don’t Say This In an Interview
You can also find our database of Recruiting & Staffing Profiles for companies that offer interview prep. Here are two of them:
Parker + Lynch is best for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses looking for an executive-type job. They provide free career counseling, offer resume coaching, interview prep, and access to online training modules.
Military Hiring Accelerator is great for military spouses and veterans. They can help you create a roadmap to your new job, prepare you for interviews, network for you, and more.
These two companies would be a great place to start when looking for companies to help with interviewing or for looking for a job in general.
